It's About the Journey

I'm feeling sorry for myself today. I have been training for a half marathon.  Back in my high school and college days, running was my life.  I lived to run.  Is there any simpler sport?  All you need is a pair of running shoes and you are off.   While it is amazing the amount of gear and gadgets companies sell runners these days,  I still believe that at the end of the day the run is between you and the road.  (Don't get me wrong, I have been known to indulge in the gear that makes the run a little more enjoyable and me a little more technically savvy.)

For the past few years, life has gotten in the way of  those hours of training I used to put in.  I found my running shoes getting buried deeper in the closet with each season that passed.  Oh I tried to get back into running, but after a 5 year sabbatical it was discouraging to struggle through a two mile run.  I just kept thinking back on the shape I used to be in and the miles I used to log and would get discouraged that it took so much effort to complete a two mile run. 

This past fall, I decided to try again.  I enrolled myself in several fun runs and hit the road.  The journey has been very enjoyable.  Not only have I explored the roads and trails close to my house, but I have reconnected with old friends and met new ones along the way.  My runs no longer look like that ones I took back in the day.  Today my runs are equipped with jogging strollers and diaper bags.   But that's okay, I still get satisfaction from reaching goals I have set for myself. 

That's what brings me to today.  I was to run a half marathon.  It was the goal that got me training again this spring.  And now I'm laid up with a training injury.  I  began thinking about all the training that was wasted now that I'm not able to run.  After a while I began to realize, nothing had been wasted.  Every moment I spent training I was doing something good for myself - not just for my health, but for my emotional well being as well. It was about the journey, not just about the final goal. So while I was not able to run today, I will not let it get me down.  There are other half marathons and this particular one will be ran again next year.  I will look forward to standing on that starting line, pulse racing and my nerves getting the best of me as I wonder, did I train enough? Should I have done one more long run? 

If you have never done a local fun run, I suggest you really look into it.  Even if you are not a runner, there are several people who walk the course.  Don't be afraid to take your kids - it can be a great way to meet other moms and it's an activity the whole family can enjoy.  The people you meet and the encouragement and positive atmosphere at a road race is very  uplifting.  As a bonus, many fun runs are fundraisers for good causes.  So not only are you getting out and meeting people in your neighborhood, you are doing something good for your community.  Did I mention that most runs offer a cool t-shirt to those who participate?  So get out there, hit the track, run the trails, or settle for the open road, there is nothing stopping you from reaching your goals.

If the photography in this post has inspired you, please be sure to take a moment and visit these etsy shops.  For Running Away print, please visit ArtunderCJ. Into Parts Unknown can be found at SaraTeresa in addition to other fine prints and postcards. Once you've completed your run, be sure to stop by LauraElaineDesigns to scrapbook your memories.  Visit LauraElaine's Blog for more running inspiration and motivation.