It was only this morning.
In Oakland, California I ran around Lake Merritt, twice, and created history for myself.
It was a monumental moment for me. I ran 6.2 miles alone... quietly, with only a few knowing my name, I was Bib Wearer #133.
I drove the 60 miles there alone and back again. Anyone driving behind me or passing me in the lane on the highway... would never know what I was about to embark on .... or what I had just accomplished. Something quite small, actually, to the regular seasoned runner.
But to me.
I did it.
I did something I never imagined I could. Or wanted to.
I ran more than six miles at once.
And, just because.
Just because I wanted to believe in mind over matter. Just because I believed our physical body can do so much more than what our brain can dictate.
I wanted to push myself. I wanted to feel the stretch. I wanted to push past my comfort zone and feel the empowerment in doing that.
I realize it was just 6.2 miles.
But, I have never run that far before. This morning, while running past people walking alongside their dogs or friends, or talking on their cell phones... I knew they had no clue, that there was history in the making for me. But there was.
I felt truly alive.
I felt like I could achieve anything when I set my mind to it. And I have. And I will.
6.2 miles at a time.
8 comments:
Wow! I believe congratulations are in order Shawn! that IS quite an achievement, to run over six miles in a short amount of training time. But then you have always been athletic anyway...and I know what you mean about not 'liking' to run, but you did it anyway!
So my hat is off to you Shawn! Well done!
That was a very insightful thing you noticed about bystanders, going about their business and not having a clue...I wonder how many stories people miss each day...
Gutsy. Glorious. Grand.
I am grateful you shared this!
And, for the record, there is no such thing as "...just 6.2 miles..."
It's a victory!
Thanks danny and Kate for your enthusiastic responses. It means more to me than you know....
I'm so glad to know you have your very own running story now. And the first one, too! The feelings that you get during and after the run are so empowering, aren't they? It makes a person realize that truly, there is very little we can't accomplish if we just put a foot in front of the other. You did it.
And. I am VERY proud of you. :O)
Don't stop. And...push your art too--I pushed, and now I am painting and sculpting...and on a road to finding my true calling. It's inspiring...keep going!
I commend you...I could never do this as I hate to run; my form of exercise is gardening...extreme gardening!
Shawn!!! Congratulations :)
yes, yes, you will achieve anything you set your mind to. You will! :)
Shawn! The package arrived and already people who know I was getting it are inquiring about the fabric. The event rec'd its 1st publicity (newspaper) today so things are becoming "real". Thank you ever so much!
Thanks everyone for your kind appreciation!! Kate! I'm happy the package arrived. I was such a proscrastinator. I arrived in New York, told them the situation and they so were "right on it" .. it was sent out that afternoon!
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