The Torch
  • The Torch
  • How We Got Started
  • Torch California
  • Random Acts of Rita
  • Torch 180
  • Building of the Food Truck
  • FAQ
  • Pictures
  • Donate
  • Torch Gear
  • Vlog
  • Blog
  • Get Involved
  • Product
  • The Torch
  • How We Got Started
  • Torch California
  • Random Acts of Rita
  • Torch 180
  • Building of the Food Truck
  • FAQ
  • Pictures
  • Donate
  • Torch Gear
  • Vlog
  • Blog
  • Get Involved
  • Product
Follow The Torch!

Three Mile Run

8/6/2014

1 Comment

 
It is with keen anticipation I get ready for a three mile run. As I lace and tighten my shoes and stretch my legs, I am happy. I have been running for over twenty years and have learned a lot about long runs. Okay, three miles might not be a marathon, but it is long enough for me. 

I feel fresh and ready at the beginning of every run. One of the hardest things to do is to set a steady pace that is not too fast, so I don’t tire myself out too quickly. That means I have to pay close attention to what I am doing until I hit my stride. I love to run in new places and to look around at the scenery as I go by. I have found a pace that allows me keep a steady jog, but not race through so quickly I don’t have time to notice the beautiful life around me. Once in awhile, there is an exceptionally gorgeous vista or unexpected meadow or a majestic stand of trees which causes me to stop and drink in its glory - and the rest is welcome and refreshing - but I always have to get going again.

One thing I have learned from running steadily for so many years, is how important it is to keep moving forward and to focus on where I am at at that particular moment. It is okay to look a little bit ahead, but I never want to see too far, or I might get discouraged. Sometimes, I catch a glimpse of a particularly high hill or challenging terrain - and I can be intimidated to know it is coming. It is better to encounter those obstacles one at a time, and deal with them as they come than to try to keep moving forward with dread in my heart.

So, I only look a little ahead, just to be sure I am somewhat prepared and don’t trip and fall. I have fallen a few times - and sometimes I get really angry, and sometimes I get really upset. The problem with getting carried away with my emotions is it can really disrupt my run, and as long as I am not too damaged, I need to get going again as soon as I can.

I also find I like to look back occasionally to see how far I have come. I have to be careful, though, not to get caught up in looking back, because I might find myself stuck in one beautiful spot on the trail, and it can become harder and harder to leave, especially if it is a restful, peaceful, place. I can keep the beauty of the moment in my memory to treasure, but I can’t go back; I have to keep moving forward. I have also found if I look back too much, I can stumble and fall - just as when I am not careful as I go - but those falls that happen when I look back too much can bring everything to a standstill for a long time. They hurt, and it can be difficult to recover from them. I do, though. I eventually pick myself up and continue moving forward.

When I finally reach the end of a three mile run, I usually feel a sense of accomplishment. The trail might have been rugged, or it might have been smooth; either way, I am happy for the journey. I feel healthier and stronger when a successful run is completed. I accomplished what I set out to do - and am invigorated and ready for the next challenge.

When I think about it - running is very much like life, isn’t it?
1 Comment
Mel
8/7/2014 12:39:31 am

Really great post! So true about getting stuck in the past or dreading those obstacles in the future. Great metaphor and exactly what I needed to read.

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Rhonda Callanan
    ​Co-Founder of the Torch and 180

    Archives

    February 2022
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013
    May 2013
    April 2013
    March 2013
    February 2013

    RSS Feed

    Categories

    All

  • The Torch
  • How We Got Started
  • Torch California
  • Random Acts of Rita
  • Torch 180
  • Building of the Food Truck
  • FAQ
  • Pictures
  • Donate
  • Torch Gear
  • Vlog
  • Blog
  • Get Involved
  • Product