The 12 Days of Running (spoof on The 12 Days of Christmas):
On the 1st day of running, running blessed me with... calf cramps.
On the 2nd day of running, running blessed me with... blisters.
On the 3rd day of running, running blessed me with... IT band pain.
On the 4th day of running, running blessed me with... bad weather.
On the 5th day of running, running blessed me with... one bum knee.
On the 6th day of running, running blessed me with... lame cat calls.
On the 7th day of running, running blessed me with... black toenails.
On the 8th day of running, running blessed me with... plantar fasciitis.
On the 9th day of running, running blessed me with... 4 A.M. wake-up calls.
On the 10th day of running, running blessed me with... side stitches.
On the 11th day of running, running blessed me with... worn out shoes.
On the 12th day of running, running blessed me with... prescription for rest.
Yes, I know those aren’t really blessings; it was just my attempt at humor! I honestly had a hard time making that list because running has blessed me with so very much. As we enter the holiday season, I am reminded of the blessings in my life and running is definitely one of those blessings, for many reasons.
1) Family Bonding – Family trips to Disney World have been replaced with trips to race destinations (usually near the beach). My whole family runs so we get to encourage and support each other and also discuss our “race strategies”.
2) Confidence – I’ve always dealt with body image issues and running has helped me to feel strong and embrace my athletic legs!
3) Health – I’m healthier physically and mentally thanks to running. I eat better to help my running, plus running is a stress reliever for me.
4) Lifelong Friends – I’ve made countless friends over the years because of running.
5) Lessons in setting goals, determination, not quitting – These are lessons that I’ve been able to apply to all facets of my life and have helped improve me as a person.
6) Love – I met the love of my life at a 50K; we were introduced by a mutual friend, who I also happened to have met through running!
Sooner or later, you’ll have a bad run, get an injury, get lost on the trails, or not be able to find a bathroom on your route, but in the grand scheme of things, those setbacks are completely worth the blessings that come with running!
