“Running has changed my life — every aspect of it,” a woman told me today. In her late forties, she just started running a year ago when she felt her life was “in shambles”. Shambles meant that her husband told her a year ago that he wanted a divorce. Although she has a Ph.D., she had given up a career to raise their three children, age 10, 14, and 16.
To help her feel some kind of control, she started walk/running — running for 30 seconds and then walking for 1:30 seconds and repeating that unit. She committed to reserving an hour a day four days a week to building her fitness.
“Running has been my anchor,” she said. She counted on her commitment to running, and it rewarded her. She built up her mileage to 28 miles a week within 6 months and within 9 months she ran a half-marathon. “It was the best thing I ever did on my own,” she said. It gave her the confidence to get a part-time job.
“Running has also helped me build a network of friends,” she said. “I have a new way to connect with others, and never get tired of learning more about training, races, and places to run.”
For many of us, this story isn’t new. We know running can change our lives in a myriad ways.
This one story struck me today because it is such a clear, simple example of a key to renewal. (And I think she has a new boyfriend…..):)
I think so many women can relate to this story. Running has kept me sane and positive through many difficult times in life. I give thanks for running!
Comment by Carmel Papworth-Barnum — April 22, 2012 @ 6:02 pm
I can certainly relate to this story as well. I too started running last year – 46 years old. Nothing in my life was making sense and it seemed out of my control. Running gave me control of one little piece of my life and a sense of accomplishment. I began setting goals and achieving them. Of course becoming healthier is positive too. I couldn’t run far but I set my mind to a 5k – achieved it and actually placed 2nd in my age group! I don’t have alot of time to put in many miles during a week, but I cherish each one I do. Running has certainly changed my life in a positive way. I too give thanks for running!
Comment by Linda Veith — April 26, 2012 @ 6:53 am