My husband and I are all sweaty and gross in this picture, but we deserve to show it off. We just finished week 1 of C25K.
I have never been a runner. I've always hated running. But it's my body that hated running. My mind wanted so badly to like it. Some years ago I read the book The Running Dream by Wendelin van
Draanen and at the very beginning
of the story, the main character said something that I have never
forgotten. She said, "Running aired out my soul." As someone who so
often has a million and one thoughts, emotions, and worries running
through my mind at once, the idea of having something that clears your
mind has always appealed to me. My husband and I recently moved to Ann Arbor, a town not very far from where we used to live, yet it feels light years away. Our change of scenery has allowed us to live in a place where people are more active, not just physically, but in the community and in their civic life as well. This has been a huge motivation for us to stop coming home from work and just plopping down in front of the TV, not to get up from the couch again until bedtime.
As we finished week 1 today, I started to feel a faint glimmer of what Jessica meant when she said, "Running aired out my soul." I'm glad my husband is there doing it and sharing it with me, but first and foremost, I have to thank Wendelin van Draanen for writing something that my mind couldn't shake even if my body resisted.
What a delightful post for me to stumble upon. I can't tell you what it means to me to have the words I wrote move from the page into your life. Here's to all your future gross and sweaty runs! May they air out your soul...and build up your body and spirit! (PS Ann Arbor is the town where the movie based on my book Flipped was filmed. Everyone loved it there, and the director (Rob Reiner) said he wished he could stay. You'll have to rent it and watch for your new neighborhood!)
ReplyDeleteLovely post, Beth. Running does air out the soul, and it is very good to learn to do hard thugs. Currently, my kids and I are working towards running a 5K at our town festival in August. Running binds us together. I'll be thinking of you & your husband making running memories together, too.
ReplyDeleteRuth
Beth-
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post. It was so relatable for me in so many ways like never feeling like a runner and my body resisting it as well. It has me thinking about clearing my mind the next time I head out for a run. Best in your training for the C25K!
Awesome celebration! I am inspired by the idea of airing out the soul. I have re-joined the gym this week and am also trying to drink more water and eat healthier. Good luck on keeping with your goal.
ReplyDeleteI know that towns can motivate too, and that plus the wonderful quote sounds like your move has been wonderful. Good for you for the sweaty and gross! Love your picture!
ReplyDeleteGood for you! And congratulations on the move to Ann Arbor - such a great place to live!
ReplyDelete"Running aired out my soul." This is a great thought to ponder, Beth. I am glad that you are enjoying life in Ann Arbor and that you are becoming who you want to be in a new place. Keep up the routine!
ReplyDeleteLove that line with staying power . . . running aired out my soul. Congrats on your new place and this journey you've undertaken.
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