Running the race
This morning I decided to be really energetic and go for a jog…I know, what was I on, right? Well it IS Labor Day. And I can’t just sit on my butt all day like I did yesterday : )
So I’m out there jogging, pushing myself. It’s been months, well pretty much since last year that I really jogged for serious. Last year I was so dedicated, I pushed, I learned, I succeeded. This year? Meh, kind of slack. Everything’s been kind of slack, really. I can’t say 2008 has been my best and yet there are moments and hours and days that WERE the best.
I hit my wall very early in my run, like 2 songs in (that’s how I measure my distance…actually I measure a lot of things in my life by music) and I was tempted like every other time that I’ve gone for a jog this year to just stop at the same place and walk the rest of the way. But I didn’t. I made up my mind to keep going. I was burning, I was sweating and suddenly I was past the hard part and I was flying again. Inevitably I knew I would hit another wall in a few minutes, but I enjoyed those few minutes of what seems like the most free feeling in the world and I didn’t think about what was coming.
Eventually I got to the point that I knew my body would collapse if I kept going so I slowed down. But I DIDN’T stop. I walked until I felt reprieve and then I started running again. This time I ran into the newest part of our development and it was just me and the road and the sky and the air.
Finally I came to a stop on our newest lot (yes we are building a new house again soon) and looked out over the water. I started thinking about my run in relation to my life…especially lately. I haven’t been running. Mostly I’ve been walking…s.l.o.w.l.y. or coming to a complete standstill. Instead of pushing myself, I keep just making excuses and giving up. It’s pathetic really. It’s very, very easy to keep up a lack of momentum. No strain there!
But that’s not what life is about. It’s about pushing past the cramps and the walls and achy parts. It’s pushing until you are flying again and you feel like you could go forever. It’s about enjoying the present moment instead of the fact that there will be hard times. Let’s face it, there will always be hard times.
It’s taking friends running with you so that you have someone to talk to, someone to push you past your limits. It’s having people there for you when you finally do run out of steam and collapse to the ground. The people who cheer you on to finish your race, to reach your potential or just plain drag you across the finish line so you can start a new race.
And you know, even though I was running alone today in the physical, I was thinking about all the people who are on the sidelines cheering me on in my life. The people who want me to be my best and who are holding my hands when I don’t want to keep running. The people who are running beside me even when I’m choosing the path less traveled or the steep upward climb rather than the nice level road. The friends who have been down my particular route before and can help me traverse it rather than leaving me to blindly fumble on my own. I was thinking about the friends who I’m running beside while they run over their own rocky terrain and knowing that I’m their cheering squad.
None of us can run this alone. But we HAVE to keep running. Because if you are sitting still…you’re not going anywhere and nothing changes.
Mmm, yes. I like this train of thought. Thanks for sharing.
Comment by Nicole — September 1, 2008 @ 11:20 am
Oh all right, I’ll get off the couch and get dressed. =P Fab post, babe. Thanks for the kick of inspiration!
Comment by Kimberly — September 1, 2008 @ 2:07 pm
maybe you should start off slow till you get use to it again
WTG anyway Erin
I dont like running
I like walking and cycling
keep it up
Comment by jen — September 1, 2008 @ 3:03 pm
Wow, that was brilliant Erin. I need to run more.
Comment by Jo Beaufoix — September 1, 2008 @ 3:38 pm
WTG Erin!
Love you much, I will always be on your cheering squad!!
HUGS!!
Comment by Louise — September 1, 2008 @ 4:07 pm
woooo hooooo! you go girl!!! that’s funny about the music measurement. if i have it on hand, i use that. my other yardstick is how far i can hit a ball with my four iron. nevermind real measurements. what do *they* know.
Comment by holly — September 1, 2008 @ 6:23 pm
Good for trying. I hate running. I prefer walking anyday.
Comment by Carol VR — September 1, 2008 @ 7:35 pm
I have goose bumps. I loved this! Thank you for starting out my morning with inspiration and motivation! :o)
Comment by Denise — September 2, 2008 @ 9:22 am
Hey Erin, great post! Very inspirational. I feel pretty much the same way. Except I haven’t got the urge to get up and run yet:( Soon, hopefully. But yes, it’s always nice to know that we’ve got friends there for us and Jesus!! He’s our number one cheerleader:)!!
Comment by Shelley — September 2, 2008 @ 9:36 am
Oh Erin, after getting back from Canada I really need to work off all the donuts and ketchup chips I ate. But I loathe running. I only do it if I’m being chased. But I do admire the stamina and perserverance of those who do it. You go girl!!
Comment by Milanese Masala — September 2, 2008 @ 4:53 pm
amen!
and sometimes…we may be forced to crawl…just don’t ever stop!!!! keep going…!!!!!!!
i’m in your corner, cheering you on….
Comment by Ruth — September 3, 2008 @ 10:45 am