"As I get older I see that running has changed for me. What used to be about burning calories is now more about burning up what is false. Lies I used to tell myself about who I was and what I could do, friendships that cannot withstand hills or miles, the approval I no longer need to seek, and solidarity that cannot bear silence. I run to burn up what I don't need and ignite what I do." -- Kristen Armstrong...
I'm going to turn this quote into something a little different...What used to be "I run because you don't see fat people running" has turned into "I run because my body craves it" and maybe part of that reason is because of the giant amount of confidence I have gained, maybe it is that I'm not seeking acceptance or approval anymore. Or maybe it is because there is a coincidence that I started running when I started to be a much more positive person. Maybe psychologically I don't want to go back being that person before I run so that is why I continue.
After watching 'runners' I have noticed that more often than not they are super nice people, always encouraging, always supportive always saying 'hi' when they pass you. After giving swimming and biking a valid try...those guys are competitive and not supportive. So I stay running because I like to surround myself with happy supportive people.
Why do you run? Has it changed since you started running?
17 October 2012
15 October 2012
Facing Down Fear
"Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy." -- Dale Carnegie
Apparently the universe was looking out for me today. You see, I woke up this morning to some interesting texts...which lead me to investigate a little bit...which then lead to fear...which then had me jumping at every odd noise and by the time I got ready to put my shoes on I was scared to walk from the door to the car to go to the gym. But the bottom line is that I kept moving when I could have just as easily stayed in bed. And after the gym and as I kept moving throughout the day every minute got a little bit easier. Then eventually I reminded myself that I can't live in fear, I can't allow some outside action be the cause of all my inaction. I'm happy that the universe knows just exactly when and where to post some encouraging words that are able to give me a whole new outlook on life. But after that morning I can see how some people let fear paralyze them; how it is easier to avoid the fear than to stare it down and get past it. I've decided that the few minutes of uncomfortable is far better than hiding out for a life time. I'm not sure if it really took me my whole life to figure this out or if I always knew.
I must mention, probably just for myself, that the events of the 'missing Jessica Ridgeway' have hit home like no other news that has recently happened. I keep asking myself and others who could do such terrible things to such a young girl. Brooke happens to be close to the age of that girl and I will be the first to tell you that they can be a pain, talk back etc etc, but no one deserves to see the fear that I can only imagine that girl had to be going through. And no mom should have to deal with that knowledge either. In light of it all, it has left me wondering if it is safe for me to continue on with life the way I always have. Is it alright for me to go on my runs alone or leave for the gym as early as I do, or be at work alone? People around me say that they wouldn't be looking for someone like me because I have the ability to fight back. And maybe it isn't just the fear for myself but my kids. I certainly won't let the kids out of my site these days, which is sad right? But, in the end they are the vulnerable ones, they are the ones that can't fight back.
I'll reside my position on the soap box now, and give it up to someone else.
Apparently the universe was looking out for me today. You see, I woke up this morning to some interesting texts...which lead me to investigate a little bit...which then lead to fear...which then had me jumping at every odd noise and by the time I got ready to put my shoes on I was scared to walk from the door to the car to go to the gym. But the bottom line is that I kept moving when I could have just as easily stayed in bed. And after the gym and as I kept moving throughout the day every minute got a little bit easier. Then eventually I reminded myself that I can't live in fear, I can't allow some outside action be the cause of all my inaction. I'm happy that the universe knows just exactly when and where to post some encouraging words that are able to give me a whole new outlook on life. But after that morning I can see how some people let fear paralyze them; how it is easier to avoid the fear than to stare it down and get past it. I've decided that the few minutes of uncomfortable is far better than hiding out for a life time. I'm not sure if it really took me my whole life to figure this out or if I always knew.
I must mention, probably just for myself, that the events of the 'missing Jessica Ridgeway' have hit home like no other news that has recently happened. I keep asking myself and others who could do such terrible things to such a young girl. Brooke happens to be close to the age of that girl and I will be the first to tell you that they can be a pain, talk back etc etc, but no one deserves to see the fear that I can only imagine that girl had to be going through. And no mom should have to deal with that knowledge either. In light of it all, it has left me wondering if it is safe for me to continue on with life the way I always have. Is it alright for me to go on my runs alone or leave for the gym as early as I do, or be at work alone? People around me say that they wouldn't be looking for someone like me because I have the ability to fight back. And maybe it isn't just the fear for myself but my kids. I certainly won't let the kids out of my site these days, which is sad right? But, in the end they are the vulnerable ones, they are the ones that can't fight back.
I'll reside my position on the soap box now, and give it up to someone else.
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