Do the thing you're afraid of

August 17, 2009 I decided I was going to start running again after 7 years of layoff - maybe longer. I'm 46 and a half years old, 5'8" tall, and weigh 185 pounds. I have a full-time job and a wife. What in the heck am I thinking? I'm not really sure, but I'm going to blog my experiences here for anyone who cares to read them. I promise to be as honest as I can and to put my thoughts about running out there. I hope you don't mind seeing a grown man cry. Let me start the story now.

On Monday evening I turned to my wife Martha in the kitchen and said, "I'm going to start running again." Tears started to well up in my eyes as I continued, "I want you to make me a promise. If I start to stop running, because I'm starting to feel afraid or uncomfortable; you have to tell me to keep going and work through it." She promised.

Soon after I bought a Polar RS800sd heart rate monitor and running computer. After that I subscribed to Runner's World magazine. Last night I bought a pair of Puma Complete Vectana's to run in. My New Balance shoes were worn out and uncomfortable. I haven't received the Puma's yet. Can't wait.

As I read articles by various runners and about various runners, that old feeling of tearing up starts again sometimes. What is it? I was not an athlete in school except on the tennis team for one year in middle school. For the most part I was a student. I really didn't care much for keeping my body fit - except in a few rare moments like now. My ignorance towards body connection to mind and spirit is HUGE. I want to gain knowledge through experience; that's what my spiritual path is all about - knowledge through experience. Maybe that's it. Maybe the Ascended Masters were trying to teach me something through running, and I hung up on them. I don't know, but I'm calling them back. Tomorrow the phone rings again or at least I start dialing.

On a practical level I put these three intentions in place:

1) I run at least one 5K race within next 6 months,
2) I run at least one half marathon within next 12 months, and
3) I run at least one full marathon within next 24 months.

Now I'm afraid, because words are very powerful things; and intentions are even more powerful. I hope you following my journey down the road. Til next time, safe travels to you.