In A Fog

It's not very often lately that I wake up and think "I really, really want to go run."  For some reason today, I woke up early, looked out at the unseasonably foggy morning and something just beckoned me.  I'm good at hem-hawing around and taking forever to push myself out the door, but not today.  I grabbed the first mismatched running clothes I found in the closet, laced up my shoes, put my hair up in the sloppiest ponytail ever and ran out the door.  No watch, no ipod, no real plan but to run. 

While I have been doing an awful lot of complaining lately about the relentless cool, wet weather this Spring, I am thankful for this morning.  The early morning sun was a blurry ball up in the sky trying its best to break through the thick haze. The dewiness everywhere felt refreshing.  The green surrounding me was some of the deepest green I've ever seen.  There was an enveloping sense of calm out there today and I am so glad I was able to quietly run through it, collecting my thoughts.

Today the fog inspired me (odd as it sounds.)  And as I ran through it, I thought about how uninspired I've been to run lately.  As I settled into my stride I started to mentally list all the things that have inspired me in the past:

• People who've beat the odds just to run again.  I remember reading the story of Matt Long years ago and more recently the story of Eric Cornell.  If these guys can overcome such crazy obstacles, surely my able-bodied self can get out there and run a bit.  Or A LOT!
• Anger. Yeah, this one's a doozy.  But sometimes anger or stress over something compels me to run ... and in return adrenaline and endorphins take over, my mind becomes more at ease and problems seems smaller and more approachable.  There's a quote that goes something like "Running is cheaper than therapy."  I whole-heartedly agree.  
• All YOU people out there who run ... old junior high friends, old high school friends, old college friends, my mommy friends and neighbors ... and of-course my family: brothers, brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws, etc. etc.  Running has become popular and that's GREAT.   I love being surrounded by people who run.  Especially those who are just getting the "bug" and are beaming with accomplishment. 




Women's Fitness Celebration '08

• My health.  I'm the first to admit I am not consistent with eating well or exercising.  But I do try.  I enjoy expanding my knowledge about health, nutrition and fitness.  Running seems to be my one go-to activity that I can always count on to keep me feeling alive and healthy.  I feel like a better me when I run.
• My children.  I think it's important to be a healthy role model for my kids. Running has provided opportunities for us all to be more active as a family ... they ride their bikes while I run and more recently my oldest has run with me.  I want them to grow up in a health-conscious home.  They know mommy runs and they know daddy's favorite food is salad.  Haha. They ALSO know that dessert is FANTASTIC and moderation and balance is key.  I want my children to love running (though I know that will be ultimately up to them.)  So I keep running in hopes we'll all run together someday!




Running the Turkey Trot with my son

• My husband.  He motivates me in so many ways.  He made a commitment to a healthy lifestyle a few years ago and his transformation and dedication is remarkable.  He's done it all himself ... the research, the training, the nutrition.  Even with knee surgery and the inability to do some activities, he stays in amazing shape.  He's one hot 40 year old.  And so of course I want to do my part to stay active too! 
• The next big race.  Races always motivate and inspire me to keep at it!  I don't have any definite races on the horizon. (insert sad face) Travel makes it hard to commit to races in the summer ... and the kids sporting activities every Saturday in the Fall make it nearly impossible to commit to races in that season.  I've been pouring over calendars for the Idaho/Nevada/Utah area and I think I have a few dates that are going to work, fingers crossed.  
• This blog.  I enjoy writing.  I enjoy running.  I would really like to keep this blog alive and current.  It has, in the past, compelled me to run.  I think about things I'd like to write about while I run -- and my runs also provide content for my posts.  You can't have a blog about running without a runner.  I don't want to, after all, just be "Wicked!" 

All the things that have inspired me in the past still inspire me today, as long as I listen and don't resist.  Instead of feeling like just another monumental chore on my endless to-do-list, today the idea of running felt simple and easy.  Maybe the break has been good for me, a chance to organize my thoughts, examine my goals, make some plans ... and come out of that fog.