TIART - Life with Running

If only I had discovered it earlier... but it was something I hated!  I'd see people run, and never understood the pleasure or benefits.

If I had "discovered" running years ago, given it a chance instead of always reverting back to memories of elementary school gym class, where I was always last, would I have stuck with it? And if my seizures were stress-induced like the docs said they were, would I have had to go through brain surgery? Would I have even developed epilepsy after it being dormant for about 18 years? Would I have had to be on disability from work for almost 2 years? Would I have had my independence taken away from me at 22 years old, already being a mother?  Would I have needed someone in the bathroom to keep an eye on me to simply have a bath as an adult? 

If I would have had something -- anything that would help control or deal with stress, such as what I feel now from running, would I be able to remember my son's first steps, first words? Cuz now I can't.  Would I not feel as though I missed 3+ years of my life?

I can't turn back time, I can't change the past, and I will never get the answer to these questions. I have no way of knowing what life could have been or would have been different had I better controlled stress, however, I have some control over my future.  Running is helping me accomplish that.  It's now part of my life, and everyone around me knows that.  I spoke to an old colleague today, and one of his first questions was if I was still running.  "Absolutely  I am, because I can."

Running has made me a better person.  I care about myself and take care of myself.  I don't live to eat, but eat to live, and live healthy.  Running has made me realize that even though I haven't done things all my life, I can still accomplish anything I put my mind to.  I've run a half marathon!!  I guarantee you, if you asked any of my school friends, my parents or even me, me and a half marathon wouldn't be used in the same sentence.  

I hope that I've shown my son how time, practice, dedication, patience, determination, acceptance of failure and defeat, making goals, and celebrating your triumphs can help you do anything you set your mind to. Without running, I'm not sure how I could have taught him this.

The blog community has been paramount in my pursuit of running.  I've met a few bloggers already, who are now friends.  There are many that I wish I could meet, but maybe won't have the opportunity... but trust me when I say that without you guys, I may have given up, so while I'm thankful for running, I'm equally as thankful for you all!  Hugs to you all! :)

And while I complain about the elements at times -- wind, rain, snow, ice, humidity -- I'm thankful to be able to experience and see new things.  

Running has also guaranteed me that I will never be a smoker again!

I have my independence back!  Running is a constant reminder of that, and it's my "me" time.

Without running I also wouldn't be able to justify spending money on gadgets, and I love me some new techy toys to play with :)

I went for the bone density test today, 20 minutes of painless fun!  As the tech was positioning me to scan my hips, she said "oh you must be an athlete, you have very muscular legs".  For comments like that, I'm also thankful to running  :)