I Dare Myself

"First, Think. Second, Dream. Third, Believe. And Finally, Dare." -Walt Disney

 I could drown my brain in quotes and never get tired of them; especially quotes about believing and dreaming. That's because I do that. I am a goal setter, a dreamer and finally, a "darer".  There are times my "dare" does not turn out to be at all what I imagined or dreamed. In fact, it many times turns out very differently from what my envisioned goal was. However, along the way, I always learn valuable lessons, which are worth more than the original intention most of the time because those lessons push me to become a better me.

I've taken a long break from 'serious' running. By serious, I mean a dedicated training plan. I haven't lost the passion for the sport, nor have I quit lacing up and going out early in the morning. However, between the demands of my classes this past semester, the changes in my daily life at work, and the other struggles that come with being a wife and a mom,  running races or long distances became less of a priority. Recently, I put it back on the goal list because I have missed it.

 As I have set the alarm again for early Saturday mornings, I have rediscovered the joy of....

 - the swish of a ponytail mixed with the smell of sweat
  - the beauty of the pink, purple and orange hues of sunrise
   - the feel of sore muscles having pushed up the hills and adding miles
    - clearing my head to start my day.
- a concrete exercise goal
 - deer playing in the park as the fog rises off the pond
  - with more running comes a desire to have cleaner eating
    - the feeling of believing in myself that comes with accomplishing the hard goals

The joy of thinking it up, dreaming about it, believing in myself and daring to do it.

Running is not new to me, of course. Training is not unfamiliar. But when it falls by the wayside more or less,  I am starting from a place of scratch. I am pretending as though I've not done a race before and starting with the basics.

 But I am rediscovering the inner voice that teaches me to believe in myself through being diligent in my morning runs again. Running, for me, isn't about crushing a PR or losing weight. It's not about fame or obtaining an age group award. Running, for me, honest to goodness helps me be the best version of me. It helps me think clearly. Running connects me deeper with my creator, God. Running gives me space in nature that an office desk just can't provide. Running reminds me I am capable of far more than I allow myself to think.

 So, do I dare?

  I do dare....