Do you know that feeling when the unexpected occurs?
Two weeks ago I was sitting at my kitchen table, working on my laptop, when I heard a loud rushing swirling up toward me from under the house. I wanted to believe it was a nearby train but the sound crescendoed. I froze as an unfamiliar force took over. Bracing myself, I was out of time. Walls shook.
Heart racing, I stepped onto my front porch, expecting to hear animals crying, but there was no chaos. Just peace. Perplexed, I went back inside, thinking my apartment was about to explode (years ago a gas leak went undetected for months...perhaps it was back). However, when I returned to the kitchen a picture was swinging wildly from its nail. I jumped online to discover Facebook abuzz with posts. A 4.7 magnitude earthquake had struck close to Flagstaff at 10:57 p.m.
It was November 30th. I thought, "What is December bringing?" I reflected upon what's most important to me, and how I'm fostering - or squandering - that. I contemplated how I can better honor this life I've been given.
This is a time of year when I take a break from running to enjoy the off-season. I do the things I usually can't. I explore what life is like without running, delving into aspects I typically just think about. I lose my fitness. I empty myself and reassess. I run sporadically, only if I want to.
When I do hit the trails, I notice vibrant colors, feel cool clean air, smell wood burning in stoves alongside the urban trail, and appreciate brown meadow grasses in ways I cannot when I'm caught in the routine of a training regimen, bound by time. Running becomes free, and fun, again. My pace is slow while tight, sore muscles and lingering injuries give way to a powerful understanding, a keen awareness that life is much better with running in it.
Just as I was feeling like I'm not yet ready to give this up, last Wednesday afternoon a surprise email came. The wonderful kind. It was from Brooks Running Company, offering me sponsorship on their 2015 INSPIRE DAILY ELITE TEAM. Brooks's philosophy is congruent with my beliefs.
I cannot wait to see what manifests in 2015.
Happy Holidays!! Run Happy!
Another great "Reflections"...congrats, Sara, on your Brooks sponsorship!
ReplyDeleteHey Sara! Just found this blog. It's great! I'm covering the Agassiz Uphill for my website and Kahtoola. Was hoping I could speak with you about the event. What's the best way to get a hold of you? My email is kriley@actioninsolitude.com.
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