I haven’t been able to run very much this past week. My mind wasn’t in the game, nor were my legs. The 8 miles I logged last week were painful, and more so took their toll on my heart. I began to wonder if I had lost my love for the run to fear.
And I hated it.
Who was I becoming? Where did that feisty fire starter go? She’s in there somewhere, dammit.
Today, was my first day HOME as I am in between jobs. I haven’t ‘not’ set my alarm for a Monday morning since I retired from the Air Force 2 years ago. And I honestly didn’t know how to digest this first day of unemployment. My new job starts in a couple weeks, sure…but today, I was without a job.
So I slept in…I gave myself that gift, for between working two jobs, kids, church, and training, sleeping in is a luxury I rarely get. Keep in mind, I used to sleep in EVERY weekend, more so just to shut my eyes off to the world. I didn’t want to ‘be’…I wanted to sleep, to forget, to NOT think. Yet the day came that I started to hate myself. Hate the fact that I ignored where I needed to be and instead slept away my life.
It’s time…time to find myself, and to love ME again.
I charged up my camera, took a nice hot shower ALL by myself without kids needing me, and I set out for a day on the river. Just me, some snacks, and my camera.
And wow…what did I find.
This beautiful baby owl…
These flowers…
And so much more.
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| bath time |
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| My favorite trail, thankfully above water at this point |
Why on earth did I want to close my eyes, to THIS?
My day ended to a beautiful run to tribute the Boston Marathon. I was in the presence of Boston Marathoners, and I felt like a little kid on Hollywood boulevard. These runners are MY hero’s…
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| Boston Marathoners! |
I ran a simple 2.62 miles…and I did it without music or distraction. I got to meet Karen from “Trading in my Heels” and she is such a light that I couldn’t help but to smile.
I found a part of ME again today, through this tragedy, and through some pretty amazing people.
Published by Movin' it with Michelle
My name is Michelle and I am a retired Air Force Master Sergeant. I have found a passion for running, cooking, writing, photography and all things that move my love for life! I've ran 3 full marathons, with a PR of 4:25, and 17 half marathons with a PR of 2:00:11 (yup-missed sub 2 by 11 seconds, lol). Thanks for joining me on my journey!
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You never lost you. It is ALWAYS inside you. Always.
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I just had to find me again…<3
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What a beautiful day all the way around. Glad you found a reason to smile 🙂
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Yay for getting out and enjoying the weather!
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A great tribute xx
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Love the pics, especially the owl. It looks like there was a great turnout for the Boston run. Very cool.
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I'm not kidding when I say this, you are even sweeter and prettier in person. I SOOOOOO wanted to use your picture on my blog today, but I didn't want to take it without asking. I'm so glad we got to meet and I look forward to running with you!!!
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Oh my dear, you are too sweet. Please feel free to use the pic!!! xoxo
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Thanks, STacey…xoxo
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Thank you, ❤
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Thanks, Pete!!!
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I feel the spirit and strength you found in this post, more than most runs can provide!Thank you
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Beautiful post, sometimes we all forget to smell the roses. Thanks for the reminder 🙂
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