Mrs. L's Cozy Corner: The More I run, the more I love my body...

This morning I woke up at 5:30 am and went for a run. It was the first time I've ever gotten up that early to head out before the boys and my husband woke up. I have to say, I will be doing this every Sunday morning. It was quiet in the house, just so peaceful. I started the coffee, got my running clothes on, and sat for a few minutes while I took a few sips of coffee. When I walked outside the air was crisp and cool. Just perfect for a run. I heard the birds chirping as the sun came up. I turned on my Pandora as I stretched and thought about my run. How I was going to move my feet. How I was going to place my strides, and how my breathing would be calm and even. And I smiled. I smiled because every time I run I feel stronger, I feel happy, I feel empowered. I thought to myself how when I was younger I never thought that I would become a distance runner. I was a sprinter. I ran short distances at full speed. However, when at track practices or meets I would always watch the long distance runners with admiration. I wanted to be like them. They always looked so strong. So graceful. So commanding. I would watch in awe. I wanted to have that strength, that stamina, that presence. Today I can say that I AM A DISTANCE RUNNER. I accomplished a goal a few years ago when I ran my first 1/2 marathon. When I crossed that finish line I cried. I cried with joy that I DID IT, but I cried because I proved to myself my body is strong, and my heart and soul are stronger. I did something I never thought possible.
As I started taking my first steps this morning I thought how when I first started my journey as a runner I would have a hard time breathing. I would often stop because my legs couldn't go any further and I had to catch my breath. But now today I can run over three miles without stopping, I can conquer the hills that used to conquer me. My feet move without thought, and I often forget how I got to the end. Today I can say I enjoy running.
As I ran this morning I felt the crisp air across my face. The birds chirping. The sun was rising ahead of me and the road curved behind me as I ran each step. My stress and worries were released with each drop of sweat. The music played in my ears and the beat of the music drove my stride. I know some people wonder why runners enjoy running so much. I can say I used to wonder the same thing, but today I know why. I can run and enjoy the beautiful scenery the passes by. With each run I become stronger. I am able to release the stresses of every day life. The demons of my past melt away. I gain confidence and self assurance. I feel with each run that I am capable of more then I ever thought possible. I am in awe of what my body is capable of. I am a fighter! I AM A RUNNER!

The sounds of the dam were so calming and relaxing this morning. I stopped and listened to the sounds of the water crashing and running across the rocks.