Part of My Soul

This morning, I finally got back to pounding the pavement.  I have only run once in two weeks due to vacation and then Hailey's emergency room visit.  I battled with myself when the alarm went off.  "Wake up"..."no sleep in".  Finally in the end, I got up and started out walking for a warm up.  Then it was time to start my run.  The first few strides were tough, then I was in the zone. 

I didn't realize until today, how much I need running.  Yes, it has given me obvious health results, dropped clothing sizes, 20 lbs lost, and off of blood pressure medicine for the first time in 10 years.   These all make me a healthier person.  One who has more energy for my 3 children and less aches and pains.  I didn't fully understand until today how much I need it for my soul.  It is my me-time (there isn't much of that with 3 children).  It is my prayer time with no extra interruptions.  I can listen to whatever music I want...as loud as I want.  I get to see the sunrise (on most mornings).  My head can clear of all extras...the noise, the worries, the to-do lists. 

I started running to prove myself I could do it (not quite sure I could).  Neither me nor my husband thought I would stick with it longer than two weeks.  Definitely not 5 months!  I do still have a love/hate relationship with running.  It challenges me.  I constantly battle with my inner self...stop running...keep running...you can't do this...you can do this.  It is so easy to give up, but I keep going.  It has become a part of me. 

I wish I could say this was this morning's sunrise, but it's not.  It is from our vacation last week in Florida.  My sister-in-law had enough energy to brave the heat and humidity one morning to run.  I'm so glad I was able to see this view!!