Journal Entry, New Year’s Day 2021
It was an angry run today. Out hard, with a scowl. Pounding persistently with a heavy heart. Thoughts, concerns, inspirations also running fast and furious in my mind while I got splattered with the magical mist of the early morning rain. I saw exactly no one other person out there. It wasn’t until mile 2.5 that I even really heard the birds. Uber focused and determined to start the year off with a healthy focus. As I came up the hill back to my house, a strong wind blew through the trees sounding like a crowd cheering – then, a smile broke through.
A run can be so many things. Once, it was a date with a cute guy in high school. Many times it has been a way for me to explore a new city or the neighborhood nearby. Core memories are stacked in my mind of running on sidewalks and side roads, across bridges, up steep hills, tackling stairs and trails and running barefoot in the sand. I have run pushing strollers and with the dog leash strapped to my waist, with friends and with a group, alongside my husband or my kids on their bikes, around the track or with my team on the field. A race distance or adventurous terrain often inspire me to set new goals and are key to keeping me motivated.
Years of personal practice has proved to me that running is many things but mostly it saves my sanity and certainly is cheaper than therapy. Running is the best medicine for an aching heart or a worried mind. The rhythm of the movement and consistency of the breath, a moving meditation and prayer.
Looking back on this journal entry, I am reminded how punishing life can be but more so how pounding the pavement has whipped me back into shape and set me straight into smiling so many times over my life. Running is a free pass, no co-pay or special appointment or complex routine needed; just a pair of shoes and the willingness to move forward. Now, take two miles and call me in the morning.
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