3.12.2008

Coming Home

Last night marked my return to the running world. Butterflies danced around my stomach with the thought of running again after a near 3 year hiatus. Any thoughts of self-doubt quickly dissapated the moment I laced up my too-new-looking shoes. Slipping into those shoes was like being enveloped in the familiar embrace of an old friend.

The class consisted of a diverse bunch ranging from non-runners to those who had a marathon or two under their belt. Most of us, though, were runners who, for various reasons, had fallen out of touch with running. The class was an opportunity to become reacquainted with the sport, a promise of new beginnings. Once a runner, always a runner.

My feet hit the pavement, surprisingly quick and light. I found my pace, lulled into a zone by the rhythmic cadence of my steps and breathing. 2 breaths in, 2 breaths out.

I can. Do this.
I can. Do this.
I can. Do this.

It was, in a word, exhilarating. Like coming home. And for the first time in my life, I felt like I was not running away from the demons that were chasing me, desperately trying to escape. For the first time in my life, I felt like I was running toward something.

8 comments:

kristen spina said...

Wow, I love this! Anything that feels like coming home is good in my book. Hooray for you!

Lori at Spinning Yellow said...

Awesome! So great that you can feel like you are getting back to something you once enjoyed. Nothing like getting outside and breathing the fresh air and feeling your body working. Fabulous! I am so happy for you.

Anonymous said...

Very good! Keep on running! Run! Forest! Run!

Niksmom said...

Though I am not a runner, I find this incredibly inspiring. It makes me want to find that thing that makes me feel this way about using my body and reconnect with it.

You go, girl! ;-)

tulipmom said...

I have to agree with Niksmom. What an inspiring post even for those of us who have never run before (well, except in middle school gym class .... shudders .....).

Good for you!!

proud grandma said...

Go for it! I'm happy you have re-connected with something you love!

Amy from Occupation: Mommy said...

This is wonderful! Keep up the good work!

Niksmom said...

I hopeyou aren't too busy running these days...I tagged you for a meme. :-)

http://maternal-instincts.blogspot.com/2008/04/lets-talk-about-meme.html