Day 214 | Running Has Changed Me


I have been on a plateau for a really long time now.  I was depressed about it for a while and started to feel a bit hopeless.  But then I decided that there must be a way to bust through it.  I just needed to get refocused and not lose sight of my goal.

I rededicated myself to running last week.  Partially due to needing to refocus and partially due to the fact that in about 6 weeks I have to run a half-marathon and I’d better get serious about that or I would get hurt during the actual race.

I ran 8 miles on Friday afternoon, and something happened to me.  During the run I had no doubt in my mind that I would be able to run the entire 8 miles that I intended to run.  And since that run, I have been feeling rather invincible.

I went to the beach on Sunday with my kids and was absolutely giddy about wearing my new bathing suit.  I felt more confident than I have ever felt in my life.

While at the beach, I asked myself what would I do tonight if I could do anything I wanted.  “Run a lap around Back Cove” was the surprising response that came back from my brain.  If I could do anything tonight I would want to run 3 miles.  Seriously?  Who am I?  I am not the same person that I was when I started this site back in January.

So, my wonderful husband put the kids to bed and I headed to Portland to run.  It was a gorgeous evening, 72 degrees with a slight breeze.  There were a ton of people out running and walking.  I did a very even, strong 5K around the water that was glistening with the reflection of the setting sun.  I was so happy to be there.  I was so happy to get a run in before the weekend ended.

I do not know who I am but I am a different person that I was 7 months ago.  I like the new me, and I am certainly a lot happier and more fulfilled that I was.   I owe it all to running.  Running has changed me.    For the better.


4 responses to “Day 214 | Running Has Changed Me”

  1. That’s really inspirational. I have felt that way many times but perhaps a bit quicker than you but it depends on the actual activity itself. I hated doing yoga but kept up with it. Downward dog was so annoying because my shoulders felt like they were going to give out. After the 3rd class, that soon changed to me WANTING to get out of every other pose and into downward dog because it was such a nice stretch and it became a resting pose for me. I felt powerful when I could hold it for a long time. Same thing with pilates these days, I haven’t missed a class yet but I remember hating it a year ago when I went with my cousin.

    Hope you don’t forget how you felt that day… it’ll help you through the rough patches 🙂 Good luck!

  2. Thanks Monika! When ever someone tells me they tried running and hated it, I try to tell this story. I’m so grateful that I kept at it, because I never would have known how much I do love it. I still don’t enjoy runs until mile 2 or 3, then the feeling of joy kicks in. I never knew I was a distance runner at heart.