[It] all started out as a lark, one of those “wish I could” kind of statements without anything to back it up. You know what I’m talking about, the kind of thing that makes you say stupid stuff like “I wish I could lose 20 pounds” to your friends as you chow down on a burger and fries. - Betsy Talbot
Her post made me realize that there are so many things I wish I could do. One of those things was run. Running was, at one time, a joy of mine.
As a kid, I spent weeks every summer running and swimming while visiting my grandparents. But in high school, I sustained an injury to my knee that put me in physical therapy. An injury that I was told would keep me from running. And I did stop running. I started biking. And since then, I have been back in physical therapy once more, and bypassed it once just months ago. But when I moved, I watched the people run every day. I though "I wish I could run" and, even said so a couple times. Yet, after reading Betsy's post, I decided to do it. And talked my mom into doing it as well.
Almost a month after I started, I feel energized. I might be tired, I might miss days of my workout after hours on my feet at work, but when I run - farther, faster, stronger - I can't help but be proud of myself. Each day, I strive to improve. I have found myself looking forward to my runs. It clears my mind. Helps me focus. As I run, I feel free. The pavement pounds under my feet. The yards - and then miles - pass me by. My knee aches, my lungs burn, my heart races. And yet I feel satisfied. Accomplished.
Yesterday, I went for my run. My brain was full. My mind was twisting, thinking, turning. I couldn't figure out if I was running away from all my stress or running towards a goal. And for the past 24 hours, I've wondered if I have spent my life running towards my future or away from my past. Have we all? What motivates us? What drives us to love? dream? plan?
Working as a barista, I see my college degree wasted. I see my coworkers - many of whom have degrees as well - working long hours on their feet in a field that they did not study. And it makes me more and more determined to go back to school for my master's degree. To become a teacher. To inspire others. To teach is to give to others.
What does all this have to do with each other? Running has given me drive, inspiration. I feel the need to pick up my camera, to travel, to write. To push myself farther and faster and become the person I dream of being. To run towards my future, and not away from my past.
2 comments:
Emily, good for you for resuming a hobby you love (in a safe way). Oprah was right when she said running is the greatest metaphor for life - you get out of it what you put into it. I have learned so many life lessons in the last 10 months of running, and I don't know that I would have had them ingrained the way they have been without the experience of running.
Good luck to you as you continue your training regimen. I think you'll see a difference in how you live the rest of your life as a result.
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