I Still Have Running

Over the last several years, I really got back into running. 

It started with being invited to do a 5K with my trainer with only about a week's notice.  I had never done a 5K and was pretty nervous about it, but I ended up training as much as I could and did a decent job.  It was an awesome feeling to cross that finish line! From there, I ran regularly and challenged myself with more 5Ks and then worked my way up to 8Ks, 10Ks, and even half marathons.

I keep my finisher medals hanging in my office and like to see all of the challenges I completed.  I'm proud of them and hope I can continue to participate for years to come.  Whatever is going on in my life, working towards a running challenge always helps me focus and allows me to see and feel progress. 

Now that gyms are closed, races are canceled, and we are under stay-at-home orders due to the COVID-19 pandemic, running outside has become a necessity for me, not only to stay fit but to keep my head clear and thoughts calm.  There have been days recently where I could not wait to get out of the house and run.  This was usually brought on by anxiety, feeling cooped up, and needing to stretch and exercise my legs.  A simple 20-minute run around my neighborhood allows my mind to focus on something else other than the news and all of the things we can't do.  Knowing I can go outside and run anytime is comforting to me. 

Instead of spring races where we gather at the oceanfront and run with other runners, we are now doing virtual races and other virtual running challenges.  Having these events is allowing runners to stay connected and keep their running routine in check.  It also provides motivation for those who find it difficult to go running on their own.  It shows that with a little creativity, fun thinking, and someone to initiate these events, we aren't focusing on what we can't do.  We look forward and celebrate what we can do, together.

Now when I look at those medals hanging on the wall, I see more than my completion of a race and a challenge. Those medals represent not only what I can do on my own but the motivation we can give each other and the challenges we can overcome as a community.