mindfirerunner

I never thought I’d say I actually enjoy time off from running, but I did appreciate sleeping in a bit and having extra time in my mornings this week. I’ve forgotten what life is like when I’m not getting up two hours before everyone else just to get some quiet time and a good run in. I explored other things in hopes of being able to shut off the world around me, even if only for a few minutes. I took solace in the hours I lay awake at night, did a little yoga, and even some meditation. I thought about everything but running.

Running had become a struggle and a challenge. I’ve enjoyed it, no loved it, for as long as I can remember, and for the first time in my life I experienced never wanting to lace up my shoes again. I felt beat down. Conquered. I’ve never put so much effort into something only to get worse. It was hard for me to admit defeat, but I couldn’t push myself any further. I came to a point where I figured rest couldn’t be nearly as bad as what I was going through mentally and physically. So, I rested. It reminds me of a song we used to sing at my grandparents house on Friday nights when we visited; “Day is dying in the west. Heaven is touching earth with rest.” This chic needed rest and it felt like it took heaven coming down to make me admit my humanity.

I ran for the first time this week – an easy four. I enjoyed it for the first time in months. I left technology behind. No need to know my time. It was back to simply me and the road. It felt good. I’m ready now. Break’s over. Heaven made me rest, and even gave me a shooting star this morning to wish upon. Enjoy your rest, because tomorrow we run.