With every new challenge or obstacle we are faced with two decisions.
- Succumb to the new feeling and give in, essentially becoming a victim.
- Empowerment! Use it as a moment to improve and grow, often finding a new outlook.
I love running. Always have. I am not fast; but, I have goals and like to meet them. Running was a time where I escaped daily troubles and thought solely about running. Form, pace, cadence; I had a continual checklist that just cycled. Determined to meet my goal.
1.1 million people in US run a marathon each year, 0.002% of the US.
2.1 million people in the US run a 1/2 marathon each year. 0.006% of US.
Only 14% participate in running or jogging at all.
So if you run, you’re a runner!
After each surgery I would fight and claw my way back with the same mentality. This past year I’ve been dealing with an osteoid osteoma (bone tumor) on my spine and then another surgery (full hysterectomy). Because of these events I had a really long running break. This time, coming back just felt different.
I felt lucky to even be able to run again.
That “luck” turned into joy and blessings. With each step I was more and more thrilled to be moving without pain. I felt like I was given a gift to be able to run AND to change my mind around it.
Sure I still have goals, still love to work hard, but now… I really really enjoy putting each foot in front of the other.
It all started with asking a friend to run with me. I am very picky. In the past I would only want to run with someone who’s pace was equal or faster than mine, as I only know one speed (balls out 😉) and didn’t want to “run slower”. However, coming back from all the injuries and surgery I was slower. I needed to just move.
With being forced to slow down, I actually became a better runner; my mitochondria exploded with the zone 2 training. Plus, I was able to have fun with courses and watch someone’s running improve along side mine. I still do my “balls out” runs, but my favorite… are with my friend. Chatting, enjoying being outside and each and every step we take together.
What I have learned during this process, is that I LOVE running. Fast or slow. I love being outside working my body. I love a challenge, I love good company. I love living life.
I saw this meme the other day that said “Imagine watching a movie where the main character sat in their room on their phone all day. It would suck right? So go do some main character shit with your life”. It spoke to me. Not that I sit on my phone all day by any means, but in that we need to be out there living and not running with a checklist. Running with love and passion for each step… that’s doing some main character shit.
So, get out there are find something you love again. Find the joy in each of your hobbies and never let that passion fade.
I’m Running in the John Wayne Grit Series this weekend in Lone Pine, CA. Check out this race and help us reach our fundraising goal.
livingflatandstrong.com 
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