It Started With a Run
Did you ever have the nagging feeling that what you were doing (in life) was not exactly where you were supposed to be? I mean, life is good, right? On the outside you have the career, the family, the house, the stuff…..life going just as planned. But yet, there is something missing? Like you are not fulfilling life’s purpose? I kept telling myself that everything is fine. I have everything I need. And honestly, I am truly grateful for every bit of it. But oftentimes I felt as though I was going through life’s motions. I told myself there just HAS TO BE MORE!
Enter running. It all started when I began running back in 2010 - about 2 years after the birth of my son. We were living out east, and I realized I just needed something to get me out of the house and moving. My mental state of being a new mother and relocating to a new place was taking a toll. I knew that movement would help. I began jogging around our apartment complex pond for exercise. It was a nice feeling to get out there without anyone else and doing something for me. Later that year, a coworker of mine invited me and my little family to join them in Bethany Beach for a fun weekend. To which my coworker’s husband was to be running a 5K, and would we want to join them? Duh! Of course. I decided to sign up to “try out” this 5K, and low and behold I actually ran a decent (for me) pace. It wasn’t glamorous back then. I wore non-moisture wicking clothing, cheap running shoes I picked up, a used I-pod with wired headphones that I carried with me, not water packs, no name brand anything…But I felt elated knowing that I just completed my first race. And for the first time, I had a time to beat. My competitive edge kicked in and my runner’s heart began to grow.
Later that year, I signed up for the Baltimore Women’s Classic, a 5K in the inner harbor of Baltimore that celebrated women. I was in! The race organizers even provided finishers with a medal AND flowers at the end. I got faster. I had another time to beat. Once I had a few 5Ks under my belt, I thought THERE’S GOT TO BE MORE. I had to urge for longer distances. Why not attempt a half marathon? Could I do it? I searched for half marathons in the area and signed up for the Rock-n-Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon. I was nervous and anxious but excited. I convinced my coworker’s hubby to join me (since he was already running), and we trained. I downloaded a training plan off the internet to follow a schedule. I bought actual running shoes (my first pair were Brooks Ghosts) and decent running clothes. I ran that half marathon, and I smiled the entire time. It was amazing to see how many people. I had no idea that so many people actually ran and were like me - reaching for goals. The running community is where I saw myself. People building each other up in positivity. People working hard on their personal accomplishments. I was hooked.
After my first half, I new things would be different. I had the next “what if” already brewing - a full marathon. That’s a story for another day.
But to end today - if you are ever feeling like you want more for yourself, like there is this nagging feeling to be doing something to fulfill an urge - go after it. Get moving, clear the mind, open your heart and breathe.
-Your RunWorshipper, Stacy
