I’ve said many times before that running can teach a person a lot about life. For example, life is full of hurdles and challenges, but the thrill of overcoming them can be exhilarating. I love a challenge, but surpassing the limits you have placed on yourself is even greater fun. I don’t run to necessarily overcome or beat down hill and vale, but I accept it as part of what is out there. If I am going to play the game, I have to take the good with the bad. It’s no different in life, really. Sometimes the most beautiful parts of life are fraught with pain and suffering. I hate pain and I sure as hell don’t want to suffer, but that’s part of the game of life. You have to accept it because you can’t change it. My dad would say “It is what it is.” Simplistic idea, but quite factual. There really aren’t any other options.
I have been AWOL from running way too much over the past couple of months. A nagging IT-band injury and lingering “runner’s knee” has kept me in my personal ”safety zone”…meaning that I run safe, easy distances and stay away from the tough stuff. It’s a sure thing. It’s not going to cause a set-back. It’s safe.
At some point, however, the inner demon inside me demands to be heard and it’s time to take a test drive. I am not always the instigator, today was no exception. My running posse wanted to head out for a challenging distance that I was kind of nervous about and in all honesty I wasn’t sure how my not-fully-recovered leg was going to take the news. All that said, I couldn’t stand to be left behind, so I put on my big-girl panties and went for it.
It was lush and green everywhere. Birds were chirping their own rhapsody. Wildflowers were blooming in even the most ridiculously rugged terrain. Everything was so alive and fresh. Including me…sort of. My leg felt surprisingly good, and still does which made me very happy. I survived and enjoyed another perfect day in my own little mini-wilderness with good friends and great company. I was happy I didn’t cave to my little safety zone and just lived (a little) dangerously. (And by the way the duding doo-doo’s will remain on my list as a personal challenge for when I am in full force. Be warned running bro’s…)
Overall, great weekend, and if you were there to share it with me you know exactly what I mean. Today all around my world things seemed very fresh and new, and mostly very, very good. Sometimes life is hard and challenging. Other times it’s really kind of awesome. Today I just got to be happy.
Shout out to my tried and true tennis chick blog followers–this is my 200th posting. Some of you have been here every step of the way. I appreciate your support more than I really know how to say. Maybe this song will say it better than I ever could.
