Monsoon season officially started here in Korea, my mental claims and personal promises to get on my bike more...are now greater challenged. I've discovered though that *knock on wood* my knees and ankles are slowly healing and running is again possible!! I have been really worried that I couldn't polish off two miles, but I went for a four miler yesterday!! And...in the rain! I personally adore this weather, the raining part. I think rain is
life, it's a celebration of rejuvenation, rebirth, new beginnings, cleaning slates. There's a beauty that emerges, the scents, the freshness, the glossy coating over all things surrounding. I feel like a child, bursting with curiosity (I guess I'm a child all the time.) My body is excited, I have more energy and I want to run and run and run!
It could also be because of this (so far) awesome book I've been reading. '
Born to Run' is written by
Chris McDougall and it's the "barefoot running bible." It focuses more so on the love of life/running, the Tarahumara people. They can run for hundreds of miles, free of injury, pain, and they do so for the pure love of it. I admit, I have started running for reasons outside of love. I started because of this life goal I've got, because I've always wanted to be a distance runner, and because I love runner's bodies. A body of endurance, dedication, and talent. I think now though, that these bodies represent genuine joy of our carnal existence. Pushing out bodies to their limits, seeing what they can do, where they can take us. I remember as a child I would spend all day running outside. I felt free, giddy, electric. I felt so full of joy (endorphins) and in my head, I was one with my animal sisters and brothers. I felt a greater connection with nature, life in it's purest and most honest form. I didn't have to go inside, go to school; just run, play, adventure.
This book, and the rain has me buzzing with motivation. Instead of running to burn calories, or because I missed my workout and "I have to," but because...I used to love it, and I've forgotten what it's been like to be a kid with it.
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| subtle silent beauty (photo taken by VeganBeats) |