Dear Running…..

Happy Friday all and Happy Birthday to my Adorable 7 Year Old Niece!  Today’s guest poster is Sydney of Shut Up and Run!  She is one freakin’ amazing runner who I always look to for tips, inspiration, baking creations and just plain fun posts with a great sense of humor.

If you ever need a little inspiration on WHY you should run when you don’t want to, just check out her  take on running and life below or just stop by and check out her site ~ it’s what I do!

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Dear Running,

I have always enjoyed your company – in the past we didn’t spend as much time together as we do now – but you have always come into my life with such ease…I know some people hate you, but not me! As I played soccer and volleyball you were always along for the ride and that is probably why our friendship came easy to me. At college we spent time together, but with the vodka, beer and late nights out, our relationship suffered. Eventually, when I graduated and moved home after college, I decided to re-kindle our friendship and that is when we really hit it off.  Over the months I stuck with you and to this day feel so grateful for doing so.

You have helped me feel a sense of self-fulfillment that I have never felt and continue to show me that I can do anything…if I put my mind to it. In all of my life, I have always had a hard time sticking to things, but it was different with you. I have made new friends because of you and have come to appreciate those around me even more. Especially, those who come to me for advice about running and life.

You have opened my eyes up to nature and given me more reason to appreciate a cool, crisp sunny afternoon just as much as a dark cloud-filled sky on a Sunday morning. I am able to take a walk now – before, I didn’t have the patience to do so – and feel alive in the scenery and enjoy the smell of the air that surrounds me. My dog loves me for this.

You have taught me to be patient with the body and that time, along with love, is the only way to heal an injury. You have showed me that my body responds best when I treat it like a temple and feed it healthy, fresh foods and to never underestimate the power of rest.

You were there for me during the end of an important relationship – a time when I needed you most. You taught me that with each step I take, while I do move closer to my destination, it is in the journey that teaches you the biggest lessons…as long as you keep making the daily commitment, you will get to where you need to go. And, while life is sweetest when shared with others, nobody can make you happy but yourself.

You taught me to value my health and appreciate it more than you will ever know. Everyday I am so grateful for two working legs and the fact I am able to run, whenever and wherever I want. While I have always been an athlete, you have made me feel like a superstar. You are the only thing that can wake me up on a Sunday morning before the sun rises to face the quiet, empty – and lately, very cold – roads on my own two feet. I now appreciate the hours in my day and want to spend them doing the things that keep me satisfied and strong, both in body and mind.

You have given me so much and taught me what confidence and self-discovery is really all about.

Thank you for helping me be the best version of myself…

xoxo,

Sydney