During that time I have gone through 3 pair of running shoes, competed in 9 races and shed about 10 pounds. Some days I couldn't wait to roll out of bed and hit the road, while at other times I had to work at motivating myself to get going. I don't have any idea how much water and sports drinks, as well as power bars, I have downed during this past year.
As I look back on the good that has come out of a year's worth of running, here are some things that come to mind:
- 1. I have probably become more healthy than at any point in my life and have hopefully added a few extra years on my life.
- 2. I have come to believe that some things which I never saw attainable are indeed reachable, if I am willing to push past my preconceived limits.
- 3. I have made new friends among the community of runners. Seems runners share a more positive view on life and a bond that comes from an intense dedication to this sport.
- 4. I have learned so many interesting facets about running through books, my monthly Runner's World magazine, websites and best of all, simply talking with others about it.
- 5. Running has been a great outlet to process my thoughts and expend stressful energy. I have often ended a session feeling more focused and renewed.
- 6. I have come to enjoy the sights, feeling and sounds that accompany a good running experience. Whether that be the sound of crunching snow beneath my feet, the wonder of God's presence, as cool air encircles me on a starlit night, the sweet scents of springtime air, gentle raindrops falling on my face, the feel of Atlantic's waves as they wash over my feet, erasing the traces of where I've been, or the scurry of leaves that cascade all around me while deer stare amusingly at the sight of a lone runner.
I spent a lot of time on running this past year. It was never wasted time. I anxiously anticipate the start of my second year, wondering what lies ahead. Where will I run? What will I learn? What will I accomplish? What will I write?
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