I hope that this post will not only resonate with you runners out there, but with those of you who haven’t explored the idea of finding freedom in the unexpected places. I was more surprised than anyone to discover that running is, for me, a new way of discovering what it feels like to be free. This is an updated post from last year, but running continues to be a physical space that breathes life into me.
I’ve been quietly and steadily increasing my running lately. I took a long hiatus with our move, and am just now starting to find my way back. A few years ago, when I had just begun running, I read a fantastic book called “What I talk about when I talk about running” by Haruki Murakami. In it Murakami explores his love of running and it’s interconnectedness to the other aspects of his life, specifically his writing. At the time it resonated with me, but I didn’t fully understand what he was getting at, the writing, the running, how it all fits.
The mind and the body each crave their own kind of freedom. My mind craves words. Words give flight because they are decision makers, heart breakers and everything in-between. But the body, it craves the freedom of a fight. When I run I fight every can’t and won’t and never will be. I face down doubt, and refuse pain. I keep running and pretty soon the words that don’t give freedom give way the ones that do. Words like can and will and might someday be.
Three years, three marathons, and another training season nearly complete, I know what it is I talk about when I talk about running.
What physical limits are you placing on yourself? Sometimes when we find the key to freedom of the body, the mind willingly follows. Might you try something new and unexpected? What works for you?
