Attitude Adjustment: Enjoying the Gift

I was out running the other day about half way through a three mile run, there I was in the sunshine, running, and thinking about what a bummer it was that I was only doing three miles.  Three measly little miles.  I wanted to get a "good" run in.  I seem to define that as at least 5 miles but preferably 7 to 9 miles, when it hit me. 

Here I was RUNNING.  It felt good.  My foot were moving one in front of the other and it felt good.  My body was moving.  I closed my eyes for a couple of steps and enjoyed the freedom of the movement, the sunshine on my face and the coolness of the air around me.  Running is a gift.

Instead of resenting the miles I was running I vowed to enjoy the gift, every step.  No pressures for time, no pressures for distance.  I am sure that by being in such a hurry to get back to my sweet spot for running all I have done is delayed getting there.  Although I have stayed active, I have hardly ran since I hurt my foot at the start of October so I need to ease back into it.

Lots of people have commented how I do so good finding other things to do when I can't run.  Those things are all good and great, but running is where my heart is.  I have never really been one to wallow in self pity.. much, and I know that I feel better, sleep better and eat better when I workout.  I need something to keep me focused.  That isn't to say I haven't had moments where I wallowed because I have.  I have sulked around like a 13 year old denied a trip to the mall. I just don't let it take over my whole day.

I really think a lot of how happy you are is about your attitude.  I like to be happy (who doesn't?) so I force myself to focus on other things and see the bright side.  Right now 3 to 4 miles is pretty bright. The last couple of runs I have done I have concentrated on enjoying every step and being thankful for the miles I do get instead of resenting the ones I don't.