Today I ran 8 glorious miles. Well, maybe not ALL of them were glorious. Mile 1 is difficult whether I’m running 3 or 13. It takes me that first bit to find my pace, get my head in the right space and let my breathing settle in to a familiar rhythm. Every.single.time. Mile 8 was hard because I hadn’t yet had lunch and was getting tired while upping my mileage toward half marathon distance again.
Sometimes, a run feels like an obligation, something I HAVE to do. Often, it simply serves as a way to burn off excess energy and mellow me out (code for: reduce frustration and make me a nicer person 😉) for the rest of the day. Other days, it’s a form of therapy, letting me work stuff out in my head. Regularly, it’s an opportunity to just find some quiet and offer up a prayer for any number of things.
Today there was a sweet spot between miles 4 and 6. I wasn’t thinking about breathing or pace. I wasn’t concerned with stride length. I wasn’t in my head, thinking through the week’s schedule or about the to-do list waiting on the kitchen counter. I wasn’t worried about any parenting issues, or financial concerns, or what the future holds for any of us.
I was just moving.
I was suddenly struck with a joy and peace that seems rare, especially when EXERCISING. Today, that 20 minute portion wasn’t a chore or part of a training plan. I simply enjoyed being outdoors in 50 degree weather, not feeling too hot or too cold, not worrying about the wind from the west or the stray piece of hair stuck to my face. I WANTED to be running. I felt so blessed to be able to do something that I enjoy more and more all the time. I thanked God for a body that is healthy and strong. And I thanked Him for the calm given to my soul in that time.
I’m looking forward to more moments like those. Today I ran 8 glorious miles 🙂
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