Victory at the gym

Many of you know that I continue to go to the gym and run. Getting out isn't always easy but I have promised myself that I will do it at least 3 times a week. I run because running has a certain rhythm to it that is comforting. It clears my head and I can literally feel the negativity that loves to creep over me disappear. According to some of the reading I have done exercise is great for staving off depression. I continue to have a love hate relationship with running. I love what it does for my mind and my body but I hate the actual running. Over the last couple of months at the gym I have noticed that there are different types of runners.

The first and most relaxed kind are the readers. These are the individuals that get on the treadmills or more often the elliptical trainers with a magazine or book and then casually move their legs. They are often dressed to impress and carry a certain "I don't have a care in the world" about them. They are usually young!

Then there are the speed walkers. These individuals mean business. With their arms and legs pumping they climb hills and mountains usually while watching the t.v. The look on their faces says "I dare you to get in my way!"

There are also the jumpers. These are the people that seem to bounce on the treadmill. They always seem happy despite the fact that they are working out. I love to watch these people. I wish that I had as much energy as they do.

I have no name for the most graceful of all the runners. They are usually quite tall and wear an ipod, rarely do they watch t.v. They take giant fluid strides as they move along. They almost appear to be moving in slow motion despite the fact that they are normally moving at least 6 miles per hour. They make running look amazingly easy as they barely seem out of breath even though the sweat is running down their faces and necks.

I don't really fall into any of these categories. I do not read, or watch t.v. I am not graceful or bouncy. In fact, I pretty much fight for every step that I take and it often takes me over a mile to find my rhythm despite being on a machine. Today as my lungs started to throb before I had reached the half mile mark(humidity) I did something I have never done on the treadmill before. I prayed for well being and strength. Within a minute the throbbing stopped and the cramp that I had disappeared too. For the first time I ran and I ran and I ran. I had finally found my rhythm. Not graceful, not bouncy but my own style and in the end I ran over 3 miles. That was my goal for the end of summer. Victory!

Love to you all,

Kristen