Run, run, run

Ever since I was a little girl I have been involved in some form of sport or physical activity. Whether it be softball, basketball, tennis, soccer, or track, I was always on the go from the time I could first grip a ball (or at least tie my shoe laces). A few of these sports were experimental and only lasted for a few seasons but then again a few of them were my life.

I never played to win or become popular or whatever. I played because I loved it. I had fun, got a free excuse to get my hands (and clothes) dirty, and got to make great friends. When I reached high school though it all changed for me. I realized that to many of the girls that made up my team, this was their lives and they really didn't want to share. They wanted to win and win only. The coaches expected you to play your hardest, work your butt off, and win championships for them and for the school. After a few on and off seasons of this I started getting worn down. I started to hate going to practices and loathed the attitudes of the other teams we faced. Everything was just different.

I finished out my final season and made the most out of the experience, but tried to move on. I knew there had to be bigger and greater things out there for me to do.

In the off times after I left competitive sports behind me, I discovered running. For the record, let me just clarify that I had never really enjoyed running before. The only running I ever really did was for time, sprinting down the track, sand, or gym floors, with sweat dripping down my neck and face, with coaches yelling at me.

I remember though the first time I laced up my sneakers and went for a run in our village in Germany. I was intrigued that so many people seemed to be doing it and managed to keep finding the motivation to go on.

I was in love. I couldn't believe it. For the first time in a long time I felt at peace. Pounding down the pavement and treading through the forests and fields became therapeutic for me. I had finally found something that I could do for me that did not have to be a competition. And it really didn't matter if I was the fastest or the slowest to finish any race. The point was that I finished. And felt good doing it.

That was enough. Ever since then running has become my thing. I will not claim to be the most dedicated, fastest, slowest, or even built runner out there, but what I will say is that I run because I love it and I run because it has become part of me.

Are there any sports that you love or activities that you love to take part in? I would really love to hear about them. I hope everyone had a great week. I, for one, am sooooo glad it's the weekend. Lots to do, lots to do.

Happy Friday!

xoxo

*This photo is not mine; click on it to view the source.*