Last night I ran a spectacular 8 miles. It was actually kind of a miracle because I've been incredibly ill lately, but I got the itch to run, so i scratched it.

I feel like we learn so much on our daily runs. They parallel our lives so perfectly. There were times last night when I felt absolutely confident in my abilities, as if I could run forever. I ran passed a large field filled with horses and as soon as they were aware of my presence, they began to run along side me. They got to the end of their fence and their run ended, but mine continued. I sang songs and laughed and felt completely free. Other times when the wind shifted or a hill materialized,  my mind primarily focused on putting one foot in front of the other. I forgot about running forever and focused on just running now and enduring. I feel like I live a whole lifetime out there. There is such a vast spectrum of emotions felt on each and every run. Physical growth is just secondary to the mental and spiritual growth that takes place as we push ourselves to the very limit, and then continue to push. Our thoughts become clear. Our purpose becomes sure. Our potential is illuminated. And our direction becomes unshaken.

Every run is a new lesson learned.
Every run is another life lived.

When I run my life makes sense. With every heel-strike the outer shell of worries and cares of life are broken down and torn away until all that remains is me: more polished, more refined. I am often enveloped by darkness,  beaten by rain and held in the clutches of a mighty wind. That is when the refining process slips into it's highest level. At this climax of difficulty I find myself unable to continue so I set a goal to reach in the distance. A telephone pole. A mailbox. A turn in the road. Upon reaching that goal I set a further one until I've completed my run.

Running is instant improvement. Whether you're running a 5k or an Ultramarathon. Whether you're running one mile or 15, it will always be painful. It will always push you. But the moment you head out the door to run      is the moment you begin closing the gap between the person you were and the person you have the potential to become.


I wish there was some kind of job I could get where I just went around telling everyone the benefits of running. It changes lives.

Cool runnings everyone!