I Woke Up This Morning

...and discovered that I could run.

I wasn't looking for it. I hadn't made it a goal. I wasn't even trying very hard.

It just happened somewhere between the sun coming up and rounding the corner to my house and before I knew it 36 minutes had passed and I had run 3 miles.

Not completely. Not without catching my breath in between and without thinking dozens of times, literal dozens of times, that's it, that's all I got, I'll walk the rest of the way now. And as soon as it was said in my brain my feet picked themselves up, the pace and the frequency intensifying and there I was, running again after a little break, my breathing heavy but tolerable, my knees bearing the shock respectably, the sciatica in my left hip no worse than if I had been walking.

I am...

• Stupefied. That I was even capable.
• Worried. About the pressure I will now put on myself.
• Excited. That I could do it at all.
• Proud. Of working hard to move my body five to six days a week since January.
• Understanding. That it really is the every day commitment.
• Empowered. To know that this is in me.
• Emboldened. To know that I truly can reshape, rebuild, and reinvent my self.

A little late to the party, perhaps, but I'm here now.

I'm here.

_{Photo Credit}

Comments

[Dawn McVey (dawnsing)]

Good for you!! I'm not sure I could do that!! I do get on the treadmill several times a week but running......I don't usually run. :) I'm proud of you!

[Becky Olsen]

WOOT!
Way to go girl!
Enjoy those moments, the things that you learn about yourself when you run can't be learned any other way.
B-

[Kim Kesti]

You've inspired me - I'm talking Ello on a nice long walk/run this morning.

[beth opel]

That's AWESOME, Cath! Way to go! I love how your little demons were telling you to quit, but you just KEPT GOING! I'm so proud of you.

[rae]

WOW Cath, good for you! You are sooo inspiring, thank you!

[Diane DiTullio]

Running and I have never gotten along. LOL. I must admit that I always chuckle at the people who are so dedicated that they run in rain and snow because I know I could never do it. If everyone feels as good as you do after this run, I know why everyone does it! Good for you!

[Alice]

woo hoo Cath!!

when I think of running, I think of a quote I found that I used on a card for that In & Out issue...

"the problem with jogging is that by the time you realize you're not in shape for it, it's too far to walk back" :)

[Sherry Wright]

Wow, wtg.. I'm amazed I don't think I could do it. You go girl!!

[Kim Hughes]

woohoo...keep it up Cath!

Reading your words always inspire me. I can understand every aspect of what you are feeling and it makes me think...

thank you :)