Today is my running anniversary. Six years ago, I walked outside my new Indiana house because I wanted to move, and feel something different in myself. I ran/walked what was probably a mile, and I had no plans or expectations for myself. But from that day on, I didn’t stop.
I ran this morning — from my new home passed my old house where I started this journey — and I thought deeply about who I was then and who I am now. …
I thought of my good friends who started their 100 mile run this morning at the Indiana Trail 100 race. … I thought about how I finished 52 miles (my longest distance to date) at IT 100 three years ago. I thought about how I broke down on those trails and the hands that picked me up. … And I thought about all the space and time, and sweat and tears, in between.
I thought about all this while running this morning through the crisp, 38-degree fall weather with the sun shining enough to make my face glisten. While the leaves are changing to yellow, red and orange, but the green is still fighting to hold on to the past. While listening to Mary Chapin Carpenter in my ears … whose voice I always turn to for comfort.
I had no idea how that day six years ago would change my life, save my life. So today, on this autumnal anniversary of my running journey, I’m holding strong to the here and now … and celebrating that girl who took a chance on herself.