New Year's Eve I dont really celebrate big. In fact, I find every time I have made an effort to do something fun for it, it is a big disappointment. The build up, the execution, its all just such a big let down. I usually like a quiet evening at home the majority of times. I do let loose occasionally, but even that is laughable to some of you crazy cats! I find the same with my hobbies and passions. The big hurrah's are no match to my desire to churn it out day by day and celebrate the little things. Running accommodates this. A goal to race is great, but I cant live only for races. I feel the celebration is in the personal victories, in my day to day strides. When its a party of one because of a new PR, or a run with a buddy, life for me reflects the run, its all in the intimacy. Same is with pursuing health or overcoming obstacles like an injury. We are dealt a hand. We are also given much each day. What do we do with these things? Do we shrivel? Do we punish ourselves? Do we believe there is more available if we just push forward, let loose or let God take control? Freedom is given to the runner as he/she pushes hard but also listens intently. I find it interesting how we think freedom is all about doing anything and everything our heart desires. Like on the show "Friends" when Pheobe shows Rachel how to run, its just all over the place, hilarious to watch. Ive tried that with a buddy. Its much harder work, so inefficient!
However, to be truly free in who we are, there are things we need to adhere to to be the best we ought to be. Running takes an acceptance of a pattern, a discipline, a healing, a resting a striving and a feeding. It also takes community for perspective and inspiration. Sound spiritual? That is intentional. Run hard!
6 comments:
Wow! Very Great Post Chad. Every Time I get out and run, it is something in itself. As the weeks go by, I am constantly rewarded by the progression God has given me in my physical challenge of running. Running also takes an acceptance of Humility. I do not think that running is pure science. The human body is more complicated than that, as it is a miracle in itself. Keep up the posts. I look forward to the next one. Happy Holidays to you and your family from mine.
I believe it is an attuned heart that discerns what the Spirit is saying.Sometimes it takes solitude to figure it out, to et rid of the noise in our heads. Sometimes, its being amongst others! Thanks for the encouragement.
It is snowing and I think I feel a run coming on...just need to figure out how to keep my feet dry...!
Far from fodder my man! An Awesome post! I may go out and run like Pheobe today! LOL! For me running is all about my personal goals and sometimes that goal is to just get out the door and that's fine with me. I do love training for a marathon, you're kind of right, it is sor to like Christmas....you build up to this one day and then wham, it's all over in a flash. Won't give up my marathons but I will cherish just the simple fun runs too.
Hi Chad. Thanks for your thoughtful comments on my blog. The care and support that runners offer others via this medium is quite touching.
I wish I'd seen that episode of Friends. Teaching people how to run (well) is not easy!
All the best for being the best you can be in 2010.
Ewen, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
HEy Runnerdude, I relaly hope you get footage of you running like that today. Very attractive gait, for sure.
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