running in the cold

So, I went for a run this morning in the dark & in the cold. The weather channel said the temp was -1 deg.F. No wind. I thought, I've run in colder. My running buddies had bagged on me...one the night before, one this morning. But I was dressed, so I headed out. It affirmed for me that when I am on the fence about whether or not to get outside, just GO! I had a great time. It was quiet, beautiful, no wind. I did not have even one moment of being uncomfortable.

More than any of that, though, I find running in the morning to be a spiritual experience. I move my body, I hear my breath, my mind wanders & then sort of goes blank. Much like yoga & meditation. I've often said that I wasn't able to run distances until I had practiced meditation. I enjoyed that clear open blank mind while doing meditation, but it was so hard to get there. The house had to be quiet, I had to have time at home w/o needing doing other things...it just wasn't feasible with young children. So, I happened upon that state through running & so became addicted.

Now, I find that I only want to run in the morning. In the morning it is quiet & easier to get to that state. Also, when I am with friends, I can lose myself in our conversation & not worry as much about traffic, etc. It is my time that I can cherish & keep with me throughout the day or week or sometimes for years. The moments when it is so cold my eyeballs get cold & I have to laugh about it. Or the beautiful sunrise or moonset. Or jokes & laughter with friends (like when a friend was on a training tun for the Vermont City Marathon & having hard time & another friend asked how her big toe felt, "great" she said...now when anyone complains, we ask about their big toe...the complaints pass but the big toe almost always feels great). Some of those moments will be with me always.

So, lace up your shoes some cold morning soon & head out the door & renew yourself!

Staying warm,
Parm