The alarm went off at 6:00am. I know how precious the early morning summer runs are here in New England but for some reason, I was wrestling with myself about whether or not I wanted to do an early morning run. It was foggy and misting seemingly a reflection of the mood I was experiencing. Tom and Ruth Anne are training for the Cape Cod Marathon Half Marathon and need to do training runs together at their pace. I ordinarily love solo runs especially with the solitude of the Reservoir. I said to myself after my morning meditation, "Just go before your head says no!"
I savor being able to head out the door with only one layer and shorts. Needing to layer and keeping hats and gloves organized seems to come way too fast after the splendor of Spring and Summertime runs. I got into a good head space and decided to focus on gratitude, finding beauty in the day despite the weather.
When I saw the uphill that takes me up and over to the Cleveland Circle Reservoir I took a pause, and a photo:
My heart overflowed with gratitude experiencing the expansive freedom of the open road before me. I remembered the time when even taking a few steps wearing a toe-up leg brace and using a cane would tax me. What a gift to appreciate my miraculous journey of healing and transformation experiencing the gift of freedom in my life.
I've been working on improving my pace for a 5K. During the week I do two miles on Mondays and Thursdays, strength train on Tuesdays and do active rest (laundry, cleaning, walking) on Sundays and Wednesdays. The Saturday before this early morning Monday run, I did negative splits. Despite the heat, I pushed my pace. The rule of thumb of training is an easy run after a hard run but something ignited within me that was in stark contrast to the overcast skies, mist and fog.
I ran from the inside out. With every step and stride, as sweat poured from every pore, I allowed the run to cleanse me inside and out. I connected with Source within and around me reflecting on what a privilege it is to be able to get up, get dressed and go out the door requiring no assistance from anyone else or anything. My life was quite different 18 years ago. In addition to the toe-up leg brace, cane, occasional wheelchair use, needing assistance with laundry and grocery shopping, I had a tub shower chair and tightly held the stair banister when I had to go up or down stairs. I felt the joy, exhilaration and freedom of pushing my pace. When Tom and Ruth Anne got home, they were surprised that I had 'beaten' them with a 39:18 pace. Remember - for someone who was supposed to be in a wheelchair, I run pretty fast!
As I felt the nausea and sweat continued to trickle down the small of my back, exhilaration, gratitude and joy bubbled up from the depths of my heart and soul. I overrode the initial feelings of wanting to stay in bed and was rewarded with magnificent and magical morning miles. It can sometimes feel counter-intuitive to get up and out for a run when feeling tired but what sweet sweaty rewards await after the miles are done!
In health and wellness,
Mary
Visit my website to be inspired by my journey. May it ignite a spark within you to go farther than you ever believed you could. Be sure to visit the News and Events Page with links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story. My interview with the amazing On the Runs podcast team of Erika Hamel and Eric Knuuttunen is Episode 56. Be sure to subscribe and download on your favorite podcast platform and subscribe to their YouTube channel.
On
9/28 I will be at Providence Fit Body Boot Camp for a book signing and
inspirational conversation, "Running With Health Challenges as
Septuagenerians: Still Moving and Finishing Strong." Details are on the News and Events Page.
Proud to BU is a podcast highlighting the illustrious achievements of Boston University Alumni. Here is the link to my episode.
My books that pack powerful messages of healing, hope and possibilities are available on Amazon My 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is receiving rave reviews and is a selection of the WBZ News Radio Book Club.
No comments:
Post a Comment