Run On ...

I'm not an avid runner.  I'm just not.  I've been running for years.  Most of the time it's sole purpose is to purge my guilt from consuming a pint of Ben & Jerry's.  Last year these guilt purging runs took on an entire new purpose.

I began 2011 over 200 lbs.  Not proud of that, but I'm going to admit it.  I took a chance and decided to try the HCG diet.  Was it easy?  No.  Was it worth it?  YES.  I started 2011 50 lbs. lighter and much, much happier with my physical appearance.

The funny/strange thing about HCG is you can't exercise.  As in don't exercise!!  When I finished the diet and went into maintenance, it was strange to one day feel this surge of power.  I didn't just want to exercise, I HAD to exercise. For me the easiest, most effective way to feed this need is a run.  I donned my gigantic running shorts and over sized t-shirt and hit the street.

Oh. My. Gosh.  I could run.  I mean - I COULD RUN.  I wasn't tired.  It didn't hurt.  I felt like I was floating on air.  Running was ... fun.  I enjoyed it so much, I ran day after day.  One day, my hip started acting up.  It hurt.  Bad.  So, my running hit another hiatus.

I won't take you through a boring timeline of events.  If you've read this blog you'll know I've had a lot going on in the past year.  Running has been kind of a pipe dream for me.  I'm tired.  Overwhelmed.  In short - in need of exercise, but not taking the time to do it.  Last week I had a wake up call.

For days I'd been saying, "I just want to go for a run.", but I never seemed to have any time.  ANY.  I was cranky, tired, over committed.  What was a girl to do?  Finally, Friday night I was getting ready to meet a friend for dinner when I couldn't stand it one more second.  I had to run.  After shooting a text of explanation, I quickly changed clothes and set out. 

Initially, the cobwebs were a bit sticky in my joints.  My movements were slow, felt a bit labored.  I put Luscious Jackson Radio on Pandora and seemed to find my groove.  I took my normal route through the neighborhood.  Each step gave me clarity and peace.  The cobwebs cleared away.  My body seemed to sing in joy.  I was so happy to feel loose and warm.  As I hit downtown, I seemed to find my stride.  With my side street exit, I hit the ground at top speed.  I never do that.  It felt nothing less than AMAZING.

I was filled with gratitude.  I was so grateful my hip didn't hurt.  So grateful my legs work.  So grateful I found a way to clear my head.  So. Very. Grateful.

I don't think I'll start running every day, but I will run at least once a week.  I've discovered the key for my psyche:  Run On.