Advice From A Stranger

It's been awhile since I have written about running. Sorry. I am finally home for the Summer (it's been a little over two weeks). There are two main things I want to talk about involving running.

1. I have been learning this song on the piano: Run by Collective Soul. It's really a wonderful song and anytime a song is about running I am super happy. It's pretty cool, so check it out here: Run-Collective Soul. It sounds different when I play it on the piano, but all in all a wonderful song.

2. Yesterday I attempted to run for the first time in awhile. I had been running since I've been home, but my knee is not good. My mom bought me a brace and I've been wearing it. Mostly I play tennis and such now. So yesterday's run was a big deal for me. I was able to go a little farther before the pain was killing me. But I still had to walk. I turned the corner to go towards my house and a stranger stopped his run to talk to me about my knee. HOW NICE! He mentioned how his friend hurt his knee and it hurt in the same spot as mine. So he told me about some exercises I could do and to take some medicine. Then he continued on with his run. He made my day, because I was feeling not so great about not being able to run.

I really needed to run. I need to clear my mind since Summer has brought a large box of craziness with it. It's as if I came home to find a wonderfully large gift on my front step as a welcome gift.....and I didn't expect it at all. So it's overwhelming, but I am smiling. Hopefully I can run soon. I am going to try and stay off my knee for a little while and work with it. The next time I run, I want to RUN.

Runaway Girl

A Runaway Night.....

I had two finals today. One from 9-11AM and the other from 6-8PM. I already felt unhappy about the first test, but the second one brought out more emotion. A little while into the test I felt like vomiting. I wanted to cry as well. I couldn't wait until it was over. I needed to get away, and more importantly, I needed to run away. I got out, held in my tears a bit, walked quickly to my apartment, and then changed into my running clothes/shoes. I was excited to run, I needed it more than anything. It was a time that reminded me why I called this blog Runaway Girl-always running from something.

I ran away for awhile. I didn't have a set distance. I just wanted to keep going. It didn't matter where I went, just as long as I was running. I was going at a pretty good pace too. My emotions drove my legs, my feet. My music spoke to me. It was around 8PM and there was a bit of misty rain. I RAN. I didn't care about my knee, or how my stomach was feeling (my diet hasn't exactly been the best), but I cared about getting far far away. I didn't want to go back to my apartment for fear of sitting in sadness and possible crying some more. I rather run, and if tears come then fine, but at least I am running.

I took some turns and eventually ended up near my brother's place. I didn't really want to go there, so I tried to go on other streets. It wasn't the best choice because I ended up on streets that weren't so lit, and I actually got a bit scared. I was in my own world. I ran so quickly down some dark streets and eventually saw "Brook St.", so I knew I was by my brother's place. I debated which direction to go. Going back and forth slightly, and then finally decided to go toward my brother's house and text him. I arrived at his house, called him, and that was my final destination of my run.

That was the right choice.

The run I had today was the most beneficial run I have had in awhile. There is something about running at night that really clears the mind. Plus I had a real purpose. I had to get away, and far away. Running was my best option. I didn't hesitate either. It was a clear decision to me.

Running is therapeutic. It's more than just physically healthy. Here's an interesting reading I came upon: Zenhabits. It talks about the zen of running and I can really relate.

When angry, sad, or just feeling like you need to get away from something.....RUN.

I've missed running and I am so glad to be back. :)

Runaway Girl

Recover.....Ugh

I have yet to run long distance or my mile in awhile. I think I ran two miles the other day, but my knee started hurting again and walking home from playing around with a soccer ball wasn't very pleasant.

I am not the type to back down when I am hurt, but I think this time it would be smart. I rather not run now than not be able to run for a long period of time because I over stressed myself.

For now I have the bike at the gym, which is what I did today. I can't wait to get home and start being active all the time with running, biking, tennis, volleyball, basketball, lacrosse, and whatever else comes my way.

I am hoping to run my mile next week some time after finals (last final next Wednesday!), and I will let you know how that goes. If not, then you probably won't hear back from me until I recover.

I miss running.

Runaway Girl