My body has been through so much these past 3 months. First, there was a week of surfing on Oahu. Then two months ago my mountain guide led me up one of the most challenging mountains I've ever been on. Then there was my cancer surgery two weeks ago. You'd think the last thing I'd want to be is active. But that's the irony of exercise. Workouts are invigorating, not enervating. Running is restorative!
That includes today's 9-mile at the High Bridge Trail.
I am always glad when I run this trail. For me, running is meditative. I run within my own head space. When I'm finished, the world seems like a better place. Even the run itself gives me a great deal of joy. I started running after Becky passed away. I decided to become a runner and have never looked back. It's amazing how something as simple as this can restore and empower you. When I'm lonely, or stressed, or frustrated, running makes me feel better. Your focus shifts to your senses when you run. You feel your breathing and the wind. You smell the grass. It gives you that endorphin rush everyone talks about.
I can truthfully say that running is one of the best things I know of. It started as a way as to get over grief, but it's become so much more. It feels great while I'm doing it, and I have developed an incredible drive and enthusiasm that permeates my entire life. I love the hot, sticky, exhausted feeling afterwards. It's literally the only thing I can do where other people's input doesn't matter. It's the ultimate freedom -- not an escape from life, but the recalibration of life. It keeps me fit and burns the calories I consume. Also, the scenery can be beautiful rewards for every passing mile.
I've never been one to sit. My body loves to move. Running keeps me moving. It's my natural state. The feeling of floating found beneath my feet is what I love.
Thank you, Lord, for the gift of running!