Woo-hoo! It is one of my favorite days of the year! National Running Day!!!!What more can I say? Except if you want to know more about the day head on over HERE but essentially, it is a day for all of us to remember our love of running, begin a running journey, and just be grateful. Okay, those are my words but it is the general gist.
When I woke up this morning I didn't realize today was my day. I never do. It sneaks up on me each and every year. And I like my "celebration" this year as it is a true sentiment to who I am and how I got to day 888 of my running streak. Seriously, 888 on National Running Day? I like those numbers!
I was up half the night with darling daughter. She was coughing and moaning and was plain miserable. I did give her a little something for the cough and did the Vick's on the feet with socks trick (that helps by the way) but she still went through cycles. At 3:10 am I was awake and ready to get up and go to the gym for my scheduled 10 mile run but she woke up with fitful coughs. I pulled her to my side to comfort her. I told her, I will run my 10 miles tomorrow. I will do a switch. She proclaimed, "No! Go to the gym. It's okay." By the end her voice was less than convincing. I told her I would have to get up now and I could see the sadness in the dark room. I went on to told her it was okay to do a switcheroo and reminded her my coach said so. She brightened up, cuddled close to me, and told me I have a nice coach. I do.
It took an hour for her coughing to settle down and she eventually drifted back off to sleep. I got up and headed to the gym. I ran 4 miles instead of 10 and did my speed work that I was supposed to. That 10 miles will come tomorrow. I am okay. My training is okay. My daughter received comfort. The story of my life. Juggling all I want to do.
And now I reflect on my future buddy. Who else will I be able to run for? What is his/her story and how can I make their life a bit brighter? No, it won't be late night cuddles. It will be miles, thoughts, prayers, and posts. I am honored to be on the waiting list for I Run for Michael and will receive my buddy just when I am supposed to. I am blessed.
I wouldn't be here today without the grace of God. Each day of my running streak is a blessing and I believe through running I have a story to tell, a purpose to serve, a mission to fulfill. I just hope that each day I stay on course and don't get distracted. I also look for that inner strength that hides from time to time to achieve my running goals as I continue to push myself to go further and faster. It I don't push my limits how will I know how far I can go? How can I show my daughter to never give up and to not be afraid to try? How can I support my buddy in their challenges if I am unwilling to challenge myself?
Who do you run for?
Daily Gratitude: I am thankful for my running legs.
Daily Affirmation: I am not afraid to say what I believe in.
P.S. A little birdie said Women's Running magazine has a special today in honor of National Running Day. You can add or renew a subscription for just $1 an issue. Hello! I think this is my sign that now is the time! I am under no commitment to share this deal. I wasn't asked to. I get nothing for sharing. I just saw it and thought, hey, this is cool!
