Health and the ability to get out and joy the sleet, sun, snow when I RN. or beautiful blue skies...and the many wonderful friends and family....
This blog ORIGINALLY appeared on Chick'd Athletic Apparel as an Ambassador Guest Blog.
I loved it...and wanted to share with all my bloggie followers...
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| When I get DOWN about a run, I just have to check out some of my pics and am reminded of a whole lotta laughs and good times! |
In the past few years I have been on a journey for me. It’s been a fitness journey which turned into
a journey of self-discovery. The past few years have been difficult on many
levels – personally, professionally. And I have been terribly sad. But in taking up running, I rediscovered joy.
And found passion and meaning and purpose. Yes! Running is a joy. I love feeling fit, being toned and best of
all, being able to eat a few GUILT FREE meals. But I discovered that the best
part of running, the thing that really keeps me hooked is the sisterhood!
I have met some amazing women in the past few years. Many of
them are new acquaintances. I have re-established old friendships, and feel
very lucky to have met some very special women with whom I have bonded with
over a lotta runs – long and short. I have forged some amazing friendships on
those training runs.
At first in a few of my running classes, we all started looking nervously at each other. Wondering if we could keep up, or really questioning what we signed up for. And then the run began. And we just ran. Every week showed up and did it all over again.
At first in a few of my running classes, we all started looking nervously at each other. Wondering if we could keep up, or really questioning what we signed up for. And then the run began. And we just ran. Every week showed up and did it all over again.
These classes introduced me to some fabulous people, who in
turn introduced me to other groups of runners, got me blogging, and really have
kept me moving! And through this journey
I have even met some of my sisters online. Tweet-ups have turned into solid
friendships. Some of my running friendships are solely online. We run, and
email each other and chat after…new age pen pals!
This past year, I finally met a few women who run my pace. This
excites me….no more long runs all alone! Running is a solitaire sport, though,
you say. Well, sometimes it is better to run in a group. And even better if we
all naturally run the same speed. And so some meet-ups were born.
We run when we can. Quickie runch breaks (run+lunch…haha get
it?), long runs early on Saturday or Sundays before kids wake or before heading
to work. When you’re running at 7a.m. with no makeup, hair any which way
as long as it’s out of your face, and you begin to, then any topic is fair
game. Sometimes you talk. Sometimes you listen. Sometimes we stop and
hug, even cry. Sometimes after 16km, you feel vulnerable and exposed. And,
sometimes you feel that way before you run one mile!! We can be silly, laugh, take pictures, and
just be.
It’s funny, for a few years I mostly ran alone with
music. Now I have regular meetups and we
talk children, husbands, boyfriends, breakups, make-ups, politics, sex,
careers, races, and weather – anything and everything. Running with my
friends – new and old – has provided me with a lot of great advice and
unconditional love and support. We have never discussed it, but I guess we all
know it: what is said on a run, stays on the run. (Is that a running cone of
silence? Ha!)
And yes I still run alone, music blaring, feet pounding. But
man, I love my girls. And I love what they mean to me. Nothing is more awesome
than going for a run and running into a fellow sister on the pathway. Or
Meeting up before a race, running, then having a coffee and catch up
afterwards.
Running has changed my life. It’s made me reflect and be
thankful for some diverse amazing women who have influenced me. I am truly
blessed to have forged friendships and contacts near and far.
And, for that, I can thank my sisters.
Do you have sistas you love to run with? Near OR Far?
Do they keep you motivated, show you the way and sometimes save the day?
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