Running saved my life

Lisa reminded me of why I love running.  And I don't just mean because of the positive health benefits although managing my weight and blood pressure were the reasons I started running in the first place.  No, beyond the physical, running saved my life during those dark periods in my life when it looked as if I would never get through the 'Life Challenges'.  Discipline, mental toughness, "Just do it' are all part of the running experience.  In running as in life, the only way to succeed is to "Just keep moving!"  And running saved my life again recently.

I was drawn to this train of thought after a particularly intense conversation with a fellow runner this past weekend.  She mentioned that beyond the health benefits, one of the reasons she joined a running group was that it gave her the motivation and inspiration to keep going through a particularly difficult time in her life.  Her words spoke to me.  The past couple of years have been particularly challenging.  I've only make it through because I've kept running.  Not running scares the crap out of me!

First it was the 'Age Thing'.  It's taken a while but I've finally accepting that I really am 55.  Now when I see myself in pictures I don't wince at the image of the 'Old Guy'.  Well, not much anyway.

Then there's been the challenge of transitioning to career #3.  "Morales the Recruiter" has been a natural transition and I wish I had started sooner.  I am not a patient person though so when the business hasn't progressed as fast as I've wanted it to, I've been frustrated.  Every day though I remind myself that as long as I keep moving I'm a winner.

Then I had the ultimate scare with the broken foot last September:  what if I can never run again?  Seemed real at the time but I kept at it.  I swam for 3 months then as soon as I could I started walking.  Now that I'm back to running 3 - 4 days each week I can't believe how silly the thought of not running was.  I'm looking forward to my first race, the Sporting Life 10K on May 12.  I'll be running it with two of my boys.  They'll leave me in their dust but I'll be in the race.

"Just keep moving!"  I know it sounds cliche and maybe it is.  I am sure though that as long as I keep moving life with be OK!  Thanks for the reminder Lisa.

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy
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I'm raising funds for the Heart & Stroke Foundation in 2013.  My goal is to raise $2,000 by December 31.  My planned races in 2013 include:

1. The Sporting Life 10K, May 12
2. The Toronto Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront 1/2 Marathon, October 20
3. The Reggae Marathon, December 7.  

Please join me on Facebook at Run for Heart.