I couldn’t wait to pull on my running gear and lace up my shoes this morning.
It was still in the wee hours of the morning.
The darkness of night had not quite vanished.
The light of the morning was just beginning to surface.
The children were sound asleep in their beds.
The cool breeze and quietness of the hour was calling my name.
I walked down to the end of the driveway and pressed start on my Garmin.
My body found its comfortable rhythm. My mind went to its favorite corner. My heart locked into its target zone.
“Yes, I love this,” I said to myself.
The further I ran the lighter I felt.
As I finished mile one, I saw streaks of pink across the sky. Perfect, untarnished beauty.
I increased my pace.
I felt good.
I thought about my journey over the past 17 months.
I thought about what I’ve asked of this body.
What used to be impossible has now become possible.
As I finished mile two, I felt strong.
“Yes, I love this,” I said to myself.
I increased my pace.
I thought about what running has given me.
As I neared the end of my run, I gave it all I had.
A smile began to form.
Joy began to bubble up.
Contentment washed over me.
I felt . . . . . free.
whole heartedly agree
aaaaamen. even on days when my body rebels, i am always glad for the ability to run and the singular feeling only that specific kind of effort gives. love this and you! hope we get to run together someday.
me too. me tooooo. october?
Love!
Reading this made me WANT to run! Run, girl, run!
As one of the people who motivated me to start running, even though you might know it, I love this. Thanks for sharing your journey as it has helped me to start mine!
Really? This made me smile. Thanks for commenting and sharing, Kristen!
The success of your journey has been an inspiration to many, your writing is even more so.
I can totally relate to this post. People ask me all the time why I run or give me funny looks when I tell them I’m going for a run. It’s one of the most stress free and relaxing activities I do. My mind is at ease although my body is working.
Mandi@theSassyFitMom
Such an inspiring post, Ruthanne. I have good days and bad. Some days I constantly ask myself, “Why am I doing this again?” when the air isn’t filling my lungs and my legs feel like lead. I look forward to the time when it will be pure joy.
Funny, but I posted about my run yesterday. I had left my running shoes at home. I was not going to miss my run. No way. All I had was sandals…
You can read about my adventures of running barefoot on my latest post if you want.
I always love to see a new post in my reader from eclectic whatnot! I agree with everything you said here! While I am not nearly as far along as you are, running has changed my life, in many ways, all for the better. Sometimes I still feel a bit like a fraud, as I want to skip days and I still can’t run a whole mile without stopping. But off I go again and again! Thanks so much for all your encouragement.
I ran my first 5K last week in 32:31. I’m thinking of purchasing a Garmin. I know that you love yours;). If you were to buy one now would you get that model again? Let’s saying I’m doing Zumba will a Garmin calculate my calories burned or are they just for running? Thank you so much for your help!
Bethany P from ME
I just looked back at your e-mail from a couple weeks ago and you answered my question about the Garmin! I’m loosing my mind – Sorry!
Love this post! Proud of you! As always, you inspire me.
thanks! And I meant to comment on your previous post, but congrats on Thr weight loss!! So awesome!
Love it! Such a great description of a run!!
Hey Ruthanne! First time visiting your blog and love how you write. I’m a former runner, slipped into lazier ways. Reading this reminded me why I liked it and why I should try again. Thanks so much, friend!
Preach on sister!!
After almost the entire winter off from running I am ‘back in the saddle again’ and I feel sooo much better!! Can I get an Amen!
I don’t quite have the love affair with running that you do but I do have to say, I never regret running. I do love watching the sunrise! Are you training for a race now? We are doing P90X and I am trying to fit in running still. I need to increase my mileage but haven’t gotten over the mental hurdle of this is too much. Time is also an issue. I am also trying to cut the calories and lose some weight along with you. Thanks for the continued encouragment!
I just realized your time. Way to Go!!!
Hi – Love your blog and ideas! I was wondering where did you get that watch and what style of Garmin is it? I can’t find it online or is it not for sale anymore? Any help would be wonderful!
Oh Yes! I can relate. 4 years now and counting…
Hey friend! I think I’ve poured over every single one of your weight loss and running posts. I feel a little bit like a stalker…but not in a creepy way, of course
I’m almost 8 weeks into my new running habit. I just started training for my first 1/2 marathon. Scared.to.death. Which Garmin watch do you use? I’ve been using MapMyRun to track my mileage, time, pace but I’d rather use a watch (I think). What are your suggestions?
I’m really loving the theme/design of your website. Do you ever run into any internet browser compatibility problems? A couple of my blog visitors have complained about my site not operating correctly in Explorer but looks great in Safari. Do you have any advice to help fix this issue?