I love running long distance for various reasons, many of which are mentioned in this blog. One of those reasons is that it is much needed alone time; alone time to listen to my own music, podcasts, etc. and to think. I think A LOT in the course of 15 miles. Yesterday was no exception.
Yesterday I got to thinking about the “old” me. There’s a lot I can say about that person. She had a lot of good qualities but as is usually the case, she also had her weaknesses. The problem? She didn’t think she was allowed to have weaknesses. She was a perfectionist and a planner and when things didn’t go perfectly or as planned, this caused her a lot of distress. I do believe this is ultimately what let to her demise.
Enter the “new” me. It didn’t happen overnight. It took years of self-exploration and experiencing failure after failure with a renewed sense of acceptance of my weaknesses that lead to more confidence, spontaneity, and an adventure for life. And you as you’ve probably guessed, running had a lot to do with this.
When I run, it’s not that I am perfect or even striving to be. When I run, it allows me to embrace the best me that I can be, weaknesses and all. I am still a human being prone to stress, anxiety, laziness, depression, insecurities, etc. The difference is that my running allows me to better cope with this. No therapy, no drug, no vacation, no seemingly quick fix has done anything comparably close to what running has done for me.
I want to be really honest about this because I think it’s important. Especially in today’s society with the filter of social media ever present, it can look as though certain people’s lives are “perfection”. It seems to be all about what everyone else is doing and what you’re not. I started this blog for many reasons, none of which involve tooting my own horn or talking about how great I am. Let me be perfectly clear. I run. I am a runner. I’m not fast. I’ll probably never win 1st place. But…I train hard. I’m determined. I believe I can do anything. All I want is to be the best me that I can be. By writing this blog, I just want to inspire others. I want to talk about the ways in which running has changed me and have it change others.
If this all sounds good to you, then you should start running! Experience first hand all of the amazing things that can come from changing your life through the simple act of running. Yes, it is simple. All you have to do is put one foot in front of the other. I promise it gets easier. "Run when you can, walk when you have to, crawl if you must, just never give up." - Dean Karnazes
Happy running!
Amanda
***DO NOT FORGET TO DONATE TO THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY!! DON'T MISS THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE A PART OF SOMETHING AMAZING! DON'T DELAY!
I am running the Chicago Marathon AGAIN this year to raise money for the American Cancer Society. "Every mile (26.2 to be exact) means more birthdays." Your donation will help the ACS fight cancer by: 1) helping people stay well by improving cancer screenings and methods of prevention, 2) helping people get well by supporting treatment programs, including free transportation and lodging for out-of-town patients, 3) finding cures by financing research programs, and 4) fighting back by advocating laws that help defeat cancer and rallying more communities to get involved.
You may wonder why I chose American Cancer Society as my charity of choice. Part of it is that I do know exactly where the money goes when I donate to their cause. As a senior my little sister was chosen to participate in life-saving cancer research with the ACS and it was truly eye opening to learn of the incredible work that they do each and every day to find a cure. My family is unfortunately no stranger to this disease. I run in memory of my Mema and my Uncle Marty and in honor of my great aunt Yvonne, a survivor.
Cancer is the second most common cause of death in the US, accounting for nearly 1 out of every 4 deaths. Who would you be willing to dedicate your donation to? For anyone that donates $25, you will get a ribbon to write your dedication and I will run in honor of or in memory of your loved one(s) on race day.
To donate, follow this link: http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR/DetermiNation/DNFY11IL?px=27819447&pg=personal&fr_id=69178&_ga=1.54451628.503825691.1437925766
If you would rather donate offline, please message me for details and I will get you an offline donation form.
