Inner Strength Training

Blood, Sweat and Tears

I was never a runner growing up. Actually my mom says she did not see me run until I was 4 years old. Apparently I was pretty lazy. My dad was a runner though. All my life he would jog daily and participate in races all the time. We would cheer him on along the sidelines. For thirty something years in a row he has ran the largest 10K in the world, the Peachtree Road Race. He has every t-shirt to prove it. Through the years, I would inconsistently run on a treadmill or occasionally go on walks/runs with my crazy dog when I felt like it, but he would end up pulling me, stopping abruptly to sniff an area, attack other dogs or get tangled around trees. It was not fun in the least bit. Tragically, four months after my husband passed away, my dog did too (I believe it was a result of a broken heart). I would not have been able to handle my dog dying had I already not been mourning the loss of my other best friend. Inevitably, I lost a lot of weight too during that time and started jogging to tone up.

It took very little time for me to discover why my dad ran so often. I had always been physically active, bike riding, hiking and such but jogging suddenly became a passion. I really started enjoying it! I began running to blow off steam or when I was overwhelmed and stressed. I would go for a jog to clear my negative thoughts or boost my mood. I come back with a new mind set and a positive attitude. I make excuses to jog. It energizes me, makes me feel good and awakens my soul. I find jogging to be very therapeutic. I feel so healthy (and sexy) after I jog. I love sweating, I love pushing myself, I love being outside in the open air! Jogging is a way of life for me. I make time for it and jog as often as I can. It really clears my mind.

I notice so much while jogging. Like, how many cats are outside or leaves that blow across the yard that look like chipmunks. How many people are mysteriously sitting in their cars waiting for something. How far I can jog with an untied shoe. How fast I can go if someone were chasing me. How sweating is cleansing, how healthy I feel or what pain on my body is more prominent. How big the sky is! How amazing it is to be alive! I love being out in nature. I especially love how awesome it feels to jog along a sandy beach! It’s my alone time. I become inspired (and a little competitive) while jogging. It is motivational. Plus, it makes me creative. I think of some odd things while running, some funny, some very deep, some plain ‘ol stupid thoughts. I often believe I am running from my past problems into a better future. It is uplifting! I love seeing other joggers, especially ones with dogs. Makes me smile (and miss my buddy).

I have also learned some important lessons while running – I have found that I can go further than I dreamed possible, even more than I wanted to. I can actually jog after only a couple of hours of sleep the night before. Makes me realize I am capable of so much more! Jogging has opened up my inner strength to endure the hills of life. Running has taught me that I can handle a challenge and that I can go beyond limits. I feel unstoppable! And I love that feeling! But I also found out that I can get lost along the way and it’s ok to ask for direction. I have begun to see that there is a healthy distance and that sometimes it takes more practice to reach a goal. Sometimes I have to take my time. There may be days I have to stop and walk (or run really, really slow). But I remember to breathe and relax if and when necessary. Sometimes, I stumble and fall, but of course I have to get back up and continue the rest of the way. I have learned to keep my chin up and continue on. In addition, I have found to just go out and run free with no goal, feel the fresh air and have fun!

Since I moved back to Georgia, I have joined my father in the Peachtree Road Race, two years in a row. It is a great honor sharing that with him. Without meaning to, he has taught me the joy of jogging and all that goes with it! I will continue on as long as I can, maybe even longer.