released

Guess what?!  I've been cleared to run 1 mile!!! I am ecstatic but something inside me is saying, "Don't get too excited yet...you have tried this before."  And I have, but it didn't last.  I thought I was ready but I wasn't...at least, I wasn't ready to run 5 miles, like the overzealous idiot I was.  Soooo, I'm running 1.  That's what my physical therapist told me to do and that's what I'll do.  I'm following the rules.  Trusting the process.  I want to get better.

I know I have gone on and on about this whole process, and trust me, I'm as ready as you are for it to be over.  I just want to run.  Yes, I love my new workouts, and I will never again have running as my only activity.  I firmly believe that strength training, as well as yoga and Pilates, all have a place in my workout regimen, however, I want to run.

There's just something about being outside under the big blue sky that gives me such a relief.  Ah!  Putting one foot in front of the other.  Seeing how far my legs will dare to take me.  Pushing it just one more minute, one more mile.  Not wanting, but at the same time, desperately wanting, for it to be over.

Running doesn't feel good when you're doing it.  Any of y'all who think it's supposed to feel good, I'm sorry, you've been mislead.  Your legs and lungs ache, begging you to stop...but you don't.  That's what feels so good.  The accomplishment when it is over.  The view from the top of the hill.  The complete exhaustion.  The cool breeze on your sweaty skin.  The view of the sunset.  The reflection.  Oh, yes, the reflection.  Reflecting on what you just did.  And, it's not always a proud reflection.  I have no romanticisms about that.  I remember the bad runs just as well as the good ones.  Yet, still, you remember and you press on.

What is your favorite part of running?

How do you stay strong when you have to take a break?