Once upon a time I was a college student. I lived on chicken patty sandwiches and canned pineapple all school year, spent most of my time planted in front of a computer or in class, and relaxed by "hanging out" (usually consisting of a bunch of friends sitting in someone's dorm room or a restaurant while eating crappy food).
One summer break I was at my grandparent's place in upstate NY when my younger cousin invited me for a run. I made it up one hill and down the next and almost died. I couldn't get back up once I was on the ground. My aunt had to get me with her car. I crawled into one of the bunk beds at the house and almost withered away with shame. 20 years old and I couldn't jog a 1/4 of a mile. But it was no wonder considering the way I took care of myself.
College came and went. Now here I am a few years later determined to live down the embarrassment of being young and out of shape. This is my second week of running and I hope to be fit enough to run a 5K at the end of June. (Special thanks to Meredith for inspiring me and keeping me accountable; please click on her blog link at the right to read her marathon story).
This is really a balancing process. I'm making up for all that inside, sedentary, philosophy time I spent in college by getting out, running around, looking at the stars, while still nurturing that part of me that likes to think deep and long. I'm learning that going for a jog and knitting, liking science and loving God, being a homebody and enjoying good company are not mutually exclusive.
So despite all the naysayers I'm going to run and I'm going to love it.
Monday, May 19, 2008
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2 comments:
Naysayers be damned! Often my clearest thoughts come to me while running. I am really excited that you are taking the step to getting more active - we have these great things called bodies that the Lord gave us, and I feel like we should take care of them and use them to the best of our abilities while we have the opportunity to do so. I'm excited about the RJ Corman 5k in June - we need to get together and go over the 5k course soon - do you have any plans this Saturday morning?
Wow, Sarah, I'm so proud of you. Running is great. But the real goal is taking care of your self. I know school days are hard on the body. Thats in the past. Chicken patties and pineapple are behind you. Lucy needs a healthy Mom. I hope Alan is taking care of Alan. I have many favorite topics of disscusion,and good health habits ranks right near the top...."G"
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