I love the feeling of inhaling life deep into my lungs as I am running. I imagine it pumping into every cell in my body; allowing me to exhale anything unnecessary and burdensome. I am getting to the point of "
needing" a run. Oh, I have come to terms with the fact that I'll never be a marathoner, fast runner, or sprinter - but I love the freedom I feel from running when I reach about the midway point. I have learned how to compete against my fiercest competition and toughest critic...
myself. Those first few minutes my mind runs through 100 different reasons why I shouldn't run today. Then my body tries to shout out in protest with varying twitches and aches...but I just tell myself "5 more minutes then see how you feel". On the really good days, Ms. Angie is right there next to me and shouting out encouragement as we push forward (thanks friend!). By minute 20, I am feeling powerful and capable - my strong legs and lungs able to carry me though whatever life throws at me. By minute 30, I am thinking "I could do this for 30 more....well maybe not that long, but certainly a few moments more." And then as the treadmill starts to slow, and I am able to chalk a several more miles onto this pair of shoes; the feeling of accomplishment makes all those mind games totally worth it.