Running analogies are just my favorite thing in the world, well except for golden lighting in the morning, that’s really my favorite thing. I wrote this a few weeks ago when I was processing how to stay in places of freedom and why I didn’t understand childlike wonder to the extent as some people do. Tangible examples can help me understand things happening in my heart……so I hope you enjoy reading this little piece of my heart.
“I am a runner. Every morning I wake up and either lace up my shoes or glance at them and go on with my day. It’s a choice that I know has many benefits and will leave me feeling better but sometimes it’s the hard choice ,sometimes I would rather do my own thing. Don’t get me wrong I love the sport but it takes a lot of discipline too. It’s this tedious balance of habit and passion that keeps me going.
This morning I set out for the usual route. I’ve actually been exploring the same path for years. I know every twist and turn, every hill and pothole in the road. It’s pretty comfortable and routine now. Along with the choice to run I have the choice of which route to take. I found a field the other week on a long run and it was captivating. It was the field of freedom. From the second I ran in I felt a release. My shins felt refreshed my blisters went away and I felt comfort. I couldn’t really feel my legs and the burning in my chest was intoxicating as I breathed in undeniable robust peace. None of this is manufactured and as hard as I try I can’t feel this way on the comfortable path that I am used to. I pushed myself really hard to get to the field so I couldn’t stay long. I think that I need to keep training in order to be able to stay for longer. I want to reside in this field …it’s just so natural to be there. It felt like home even though it was my first run there. The field of trust and the field of patience are where I train.
Yesterday I decided to search for more of these fields. I stumbled upon the field of wonder but it was very unfamiliar. It was simple to get to so I wasn’t sure why I had never been. I felt drawn to stay longer and the words reconcile and restoration kept running through my mind. There was some pain in my muscles but I knew that if I kept jogging around I would feel the restoration. Other people in this field were dancing and twirling and singing. I never really liked to dance or sing as a child so I felt uncomfortable. Today was a short run but I know that I’ll be back to the field of wonder to figure out how I can be a part of the whimsy there.
I like going off of my comfortable old path now. Sometimes I still run there to stay in shape and reminisce on all of the good runs had there. I don’t think that I will ever be content with that path again though because I know how I can push my body. I know that with training I can regularly run to the freedom field and the multitude of other fields. It’s like my eyes have been opened and I never want to close them again.
There are so many trail runs that I’ve discovered too!! Some of them are short and steep but others are long and winding. The steep ones are always a challenge but I learn so many things about new muscles in my body. It takes a lot of endurance to run on the long paths but it’s an equally thrilling challenge. I feel so empty inside when I choose not to run, like I’m missing out on something I was created to do. But when I do run I feel so alive. I am filled with energy and my mind can declutter. It’s such a sacred space. So many words are spoken over me and I can’t help but think that I am a better version of who I would be without the sport…..it’s like we are created for something deeper, more fulfilling, more life giving and abundant and satisfying”
Life updates-
-Today is the first day of our last month on the race!
-I am officially attending NC State University this fall #GoPack
-My team along with three other teams are living in Chichicastenango, Guatemala for a mini all squad month to finish off the race! Prayers that we can all stay present and press into these last few weeks would be greatly appreciated:)
