I got to the four way stop where I usually turn left, and instead found myself turning right. Propelled by the spark of the unknown flashing before me. Surprising (but not), because right is uphill, windy, and a road I had not run before. For most of my adult life, I’ve considered myself a planner, a creature of habit, and someone who is uncomfortable with change and/or surprises. Lately I’m learning that some of that rigidity is just a way for me to (seemingly) maintain control, and that there is actually huge joy to be found in giving up and giving in to adventure.
I’ve always liked the adventure of running a new route, so that didn’t surprise me last night, but the hill did.
As a runner, I’ve often backed away from the hard stuff. Speed. Hills. Whatever in the moment my brain considers ‘too hard.’ So I rationalize walking, or running a slower pace, or fewer miles, or an easier route. And it’s fine really, because it’s all been my journey thus far. You start somewhere, you go somewhere. And now I am here.
And I feel this building momentum in my heart that 2014 is the year I push back against the hard stuff. The year I run faster. The year I tell my brain to be quiet when it starts setting limits.
I want so see what my limits really are.
Last fall, I ran two marathons and one 1/2 marathon all within 40 days. That is something I never fathomed I would do. But then I did.
And like crazy things do, it made me look at myself and running differently. It made me wonder. It made me want more.
So here I am. Last night I turned right instead of left. Up the unknown hill.
And it was great!
*JFR = just f-ing run. Some running store in Austin, TX has started a movement called Just F-ing Run, and I love it. Read about it here.
What do you hope for in 2014? Running or otherwise
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