Friday, April 8, 2011

I was free!

  My mom and I work out a lot together at the local gym by our house. Since it is spring they are starting back up an outdoor class they have called "Club Run." My mom had to sort of beg me to do this one! RUNNING? It didn't take much cause I'll do anything for my mom but... really? I suck at running. I don't run. I walk. I walk a lot because of my big bear! I take my golden on a walk for at least 45 almost every day.
 I love Yoga, Pilate's, lifting weights, and walking. And don't get me wrong I go on the elliptical or treadmill once in a while to get myself to sweat. But I don't ever really push myself. Well that all changed on Tuesday. 
   The weather was perfect that night and when we got to the trail - wow I was just blown away by the beauty! There was beautiful nature as far as the eye could see, lots of trees! The trail was winding and hilly, but the beauty of being out in nature excited me! We saw SO many birds! Blue jay, cardinal, robin, wren, and then we saw 4 huge turkey's! They have a few leaders in the group who kind of disperse themselves amongst the group of runners, because not all are on the same level. The leaders were so inspiring and positive! Within minutes of our conversation with one of the leaders we were talking about our personal lives, working out, and she asked why we were there? What did we want out of it? 
   And for me yes, I was dragged along but I'd love to be able to run a 5k! (and run the entire way) That seems so big to me! Almost too big. I know not to a lot of people, but you're talking to the girl who doesn't like running. I dreaded the mile day in elementary school. I was always one of the last girls - I had a 14 minute mile! YIKES! I admired the girls who could run a 7 minute mile. Never did I ever think I could be a runner, and a good one at that.
   The leader seemed genuinely thankful that we were there. So present. So sweet. I was so touched by that. She believed in us too! She had just met us but was already cheering us on and giving us a pep talk! As another leader approached she could sense I could go faster, she pushed me. "Come on Natalie! You can do it! Let's go! I know you can run faster!" So together we made it to the 1.5 mile mark. We cheered on my mom and the other leader. Full body sweat!  
Full body bliss. 
I had a "runners high!" Happy smiles gonna on! I felt empowered to do more!
   We were off again, and I was feeling great. I got past that tough part. They suggested walking uphill and jogging downhill if we got tired. Everything from the day seemed to be released. Gone. 

I was free. 
It felt like I had wings. 

I started jogging up the hills and down the hills only walking when I was desperate. 
I pushed myself like I've never pushed myself before.
I passed my mom and the two leaders. No headset (which I was mad about before I got there... silly me I didn't need it!) it was just me and the sky. Me and trail. Me and nature. Sweating. Releasing. 
  The club run leaders gave me a gift on Tuesday. They believed in me, when I didn't believe in myself. It translates into so many other parts of my life. I never thought I could have ran 3 miles like that and I did. Just think if I took that leap of faith and pushed myself harder than I ever have what else could I accomplish? What else could I do? Have you ever had this experience, where you did something that you didn't think possible? How did you get there? Did you have others encouraging you? Or what inspired you to get there? I'd love to hear about it!
How can you be that gift of positivity to others?
Encourage, encourage, encourage. Pour your heart out and mean it. Write a note, an email, thank someone for being who they are. Make someone else feel special today. 
I'm off to keep the torch going,
Happy Friday friends!

3 comments:

  1. Wow - what a wonderful story of encouragement and inspiration! Congratulations :)

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  2. This is so cool to read! I had a similar experience- when you find out that you can do more then you thought then suddenly so much more is possible. You go girl!!!!

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  3. Ugh! I hate running too! But your story has inspired me to run.. not sure when to do it but maybe i'll try this weekend. hehe. Congrats!

    And by the way, I'd like to thank you for coming to blog and be in my 'followers' list. Best of Luck in everything that you do!

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