Silent Alarms and an Epiphany

Last night I went to bed with the following intention: wake up at 6:00 and go for a jog with my sissy-n-law and the husband man. At 6:10 I heard a phone ringing, and I realized I falied to turn my phone sound back on after church last night. I was suddenly awake, jumped out of bed, pulled on my running shoes and barrelled out the door. I jogged a mile! WOOHOO! I was going uphill to begin with, and I could hear my usual funky breathing pattern *in in in in out out out out*. I kept telling myself that I felt great--and it didn't matter how slow I was going. When I topped the hill, however, I started to feel good. Unnaturally good. I was sort of happy, and excited, and just...??? I am not sure what was going on. My breathing slowed, my throat opened up, and my legs found a different type of rhythm. I paused after .5 mile to talk to Jordon, and then I took off again. After jogging the hill and getting to within a tenth of my stopping point I ran as fast as my legs would take me. The feeling of finishing a mile in the morning was great, and it took only about 3-4 minutes for me to recover. I basked in the joy of being tomato-faced and noodle legged.

Jordon was kind enough to make my lunch and perk a pot of coffee. I was able to get ready and out of the house on time. Here's the clincher--and something that happened last week--I left the house in disarray (well, my definition of disarray). There were 2 dirty bowls on the counter, jackets and shoes scattered about, and papers lying on the end tables! I have to say that the feeling I get from jogging is much better than the feeling I get from straightening things and washing clothes. Chores will never be done. The floor will always get dirty. Clothes will always need to be washed. The kitchen counter will need wiped down. The stove will get greasy. But, the road will always be there, beckoning me in the morning--waiting for our meeting.

I've never been a jogger, but I think I am beginning to like the idea. I may be losing some weight, but that feeling is no comparison to having more energy and a better outlook. I hope I continue to get motivated to lace up the sneaks and pound the pavement. I am not going very far yet, but I will continue to improve. I am so glad the sun is finally warming up our part of the world!