The [random] thoughts of a planted runner

Previously

Running seemed so much more complicated, this movement determined what I ate, when I went to bed, what I did when I was awake. It determined how I spent my life when I wasn’t running.

If it meant I needed to drive 2+ hours to train and might miss dinner with my husband, then I drove 2+ hours to train.

If it meant I had to remind myself to take extra care doing an activity such as cycling or weight training, then I did that too.

If it meant eating a salad as opposed to a Mexican burrito or tacos, then I ate a salad.

Running made me happy. I devoted all my downtime to it. It was then that I had made up my mind, this was my past time and what I wanted to do. I was my happiest when I ran well so I choose to only do things that made me happy.

That was then

As time went on running somehow made me sad. The freedom of movement became challenging, somewhat difficult, my body was fighting against my mind and winning. I was tired from the battle. How could something I loved so much no longer bring me the same joy, what changed?

Without consciously knowing, I had changed. The inner workings of the mind had won a battle I didn’t even know I was in. It was like one day I was happy the next day, I was sad.

Time to go to work. This battle was worth fighting for and I was determined to come out on top even though I was unsure exactly what it was I was fighting for.

Present

I run knowing each moment that passes, each hour, minute, second will not happen again; each moment is unique.

I understand the opportunity I am given to move by choice and how I choose to execute it. I understand each day is a fight, a fight of determination, forgiveness, and acceptance.

Surrender and acceptance will follow.  It’s as simple as one foot in front of the other.

I run because….

it makes me both happy and sad.

I run to….

escape but also to help find myself.

Running is…

about toggling between the Yin and the Yang; finding a suitable balance to help stay in balance.

Running is….

at times simply about putting one foot in front of the other and appreciating just that. The next day is about more than that.

Planted Runner

There is no idealism in running. It just is. It is what I choose it to be on the day. The present moment.

I am a planted runner. Grounded. Up in the air and all that is in-between.