Tearful 2

Last week, after work  I got up the will to go for a run. I hadn’t run for months and the frigid temperatures had me doubting my own motivation.  I laced up and pushed myself out of the door anyway. The chill in the air made it easier to get moving.  

I felt strong; my breathing was heavy but I felt like I had endurance. Then it hit me. About a mile in I started to tear up. I was overwhelmed with inspiration and appreciation. It took focus to determine where these emotions were rooted. 

It was the first time in years that my journey to recover has brought me joy. In February it will be 4 years since I was injured on the slopes of Camelback, and on Tuesday I cried out of gratitude. 

I am grateful that in the past 4 years my pain has diminished. 

Just over 3 years ago I bought my house. I remember wanting desperately to be able to run the mile to the lake clubhouse. I remember the turmoil I would go through in trying to run again.  Remembering how fit I once was tormented me.  My struggle has become my strength. I am grateful; what once seemed impossible is now not quite effortless but certainly within the realm of possibility. 

About two years into the healing process I found Dr. Moore at On Track Chiropractic. I had difficult seeing the finish line. I didn’t feel like I was going through a healing process, instead I felt like I would forever be stunted by the neck pain that continuously flared back up. When I did find Dr. Moore, he helped me overcome the fear of those painful flair ups and they occurred less and less frequently with his help. Since then the staff there has continuously  reassured and inspired me to live my life to the fullest. 

I appreciate the inspirational people who have found their way into my life. From encouraging me to sign up for my first post injury running race to encouraging and joining me for countless backpacking adventures, my dear friend and colleague Carla has been one of my biggest cheerleaders. I can’t begin to imagine where I would be without her, nor do I want to. 

People pass into and out of your life, but in the age of social media, I am lucky to see updates from people I otherwise would have lost contact with. In sharing their lives from personal transformation to love stories, the people on the periphery of my life have inspired me on some of the days I couldn’t find my own inspiration.

I am grateful for the tears I have shed. Not all are bad. These were the things that I thought of during my run; I thought about all the people I have in my life that have inspired me. During my tearful two miles I learned my perspective is changing and I couldn’t be more excited.