Live to Run

My Favorite Running Story

Is That A Bear?

I love running in the country; it’s so peaceful; A mile will go by without me realizing it, taking in the scenery. I started on a country road one morning, like every other morning.  Take note; I do not wear glasses when I run, I’m older so when I look in the distance, everything is blurry.

There is an area I run where there are no houses, it’s wooded, dark, and shady, with a creek running through it.

As I’m coming down a hill, I look in the distance; a black shape runs straight toward me.  Immediately, I think, bear.

I stop running and look at surrounding trees in case I have to climb.  One more glance at what I assume is a bear has my head spinning in disbelief.  My thought process is that cannot be a bear.

So, I slowly start to run; realizing my bear in real life is an Amish woman on a bicycle.  She is dressed all in black with her head down, pedaling like crazy.   I live to run.

Live To Run

I have been a runner my entire life.  Starting young, I am now in my sixties.  I live to run, and I run to live.  I run to live has never been more true.  As I age my body changes.  I’m slower than I used to in my twenties and thirties.   Every now and then there will be a twinge in my knee or back.  But I lace up my running shoes and head out every morning.  For me running is a way to kick-start my day.  It truly is a stress reliever.  Every hill I make it up, every gravel road I run down, the rain I run in, the wind against my face, it all makes me stronger.  Good health is a key element to a great run.  Let’s look at some ways to stay healthy.

What Works For Me

• Vitamins- Take a Multivitamin; mine is for  women over fifty,  plus Calcium 600 +D.  Calcium for bone health and a Multivitamin for overall health.
• Mind over body-if our belief is strong enough we can accomplish anything. For beginners take it slow.  Start by going around the block.
• Breathe-the best way to breathe while running is to inhale and exhale using both the nose and mouth combined.  
• Stretch and then stretch some more- I cannot emphasize how important stretching is before a run and after.  It’s reduces chance of injury, and soreness after a run.
• Have fun- who wants to do something that is a chore?  I am a lover of running; for me it is therapy.  A chance to get away from everything for an hour or so.
• Laugh-living a life without laughter is no life at all.  So laugh daily, a good belly laugh is a cure for the blues.  It lifts our spirits, it eases our soul.
• Running by myself works best for me.  Not everyone is identical; some of us may run better with a partner.  Whatever works, set goals, keep the pace and most importantly remember to breathe.

Can We All Run

I am looking for runners like me who live to run.  I love to hear stories;  send me a favorite, we all have one.  

Again, not everyone runs, getting up off the couch is a great start, and crossing that finish line is an accomplishment.  

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