Resolve Of Running

Happy New Years Runners!

I've been spending the first few days of this month/year/decade reading about reflection pieces and resolves for 2010. It got me thinking about my 2009 a bit. Last year as a whole I felt my running probably wasn't what it should have been. Battling through injuries and at times my own personal laziness (the latter probably was a bit of a cause to some of the injuries) and just never felt as comfortable running in 2009 as I did in 2008. Maybe it's because I ran with such a big chip on my shoulder, or maybe because it was so "new" or maybe that I was burned out from running so much. I'm not sure. I took a more upbeat approach to running in 2009. I was focused more on external things. Forgiving myself & others (well I guess that's internal but it was to remove the fore mentioned chip on my shoulder), trying to embody what the running community was about and trying to better my running skills. But see I feel I may have gotten away from something. I spent the first few days of this year trying to figure it out and it came to me. What I had lost was this:

I had gotten so caught up in all those other things, I didn't focus on the general resolve of running. As my fourth marathon approaches in 13 days, I've realized that running is where my peace comes from. It (even if it's temporarily) removes that critical voice in my head, the anger and even removes the angst of others out of my life. It's a time spent with me. My resolve is to run. To run for me, not for time, not for others, not to impress anyone other than myself. Let me tell you something runners. It's ok to be selfish when you run. It's ok for it to be about you. You and no one else. Most of all it's ok to own your own destiny. The thing I guess I love the most about my running is, I'm the boss. I don't have other people telling me what I need to be doing, how fast I need to be. Instead I have a network of people who cheer me on, regardless of when I finish. It's kind of nice to take back something for yourself. So I hope you do. But remember your supporters, during long runs sometimes they are the ones who get me to the finish line. My second marathon all I could think about was then from mile 18 on. It was the first time my parents saw me run. It was VERY special. And all I could think about was my parents traveling to San Francisco to see me. Well and maybe the fresh seafood at Fisherman's Wharf, but mostly me =o).

Look never forget why you started running and how it makes you feel. Don't forget about the people who are important in your life and know it's ok to lean on them. Don't worry about a time or the style of your shoe. Sometimes it's just as important to remember why you run and how it makes you feel.

I know I'm lucky I can run. I know I'm lucky to have the supporters I do and I know it's ok to be selfish when I run as well. I hope you all find your resolve to run or to keep running!

Happy running readers and Happy New Year!