I would say I am a runner, or at least I like to call myself one. I've had shin splints for the past semester and a twelve week break from running still didn't seem to fix it. After an x-ray and lots of ice, I think I might just have to suffer the pain with some home remedies. Although, when I run the pain is nothing compared to joy it brings me to be able to run and escape my mind.
This past weekend I was able to run my first race in over two months and it was amazing!! It felt so good to be able to run in a race and just be able to go. There was a finishers medal at the end as well, which is a big plus for me. I personally just really love medals. I ran with my two very good friends who are in the running club with me at school. We started out running together and then slowly separated into our own speeds. As I was running, I had a huge smile on my face. I was running and I wasn't in pain. It was one of the happier times of my life. I love seeing people run 5ks. It makes me so happy and proud of them because you know pretty much every person worked so hard to be able to get to run that entire 3.1 miles. Some people probably believed they could never do it, but when they turn to see that finish line the energy they didn't think they had left is right there. While I was running people passed me and I passed them. Every time someone was next to me, once we spread out, I said "good job" or "you're doing great!" Those little words of encouragement brought a smile to each of their faces as they returned the compliment to me to keep the smile on my face for the entire race. When I was almost near the end, I had a small conversation with someone as we laughed and were excited to round the corner to the finish line. Our encouragement kept us going. As I finished, I got to do my favorite part of the race... the sprint! I used to not sprint because I thought I didn't have any energy left in me, but when I discovered I did it was life changing. Since I found that out, I can't run any race without a sprint and if I don't sprint I feel like I didn't finish the race. I got ready with my breathing when I rounded the corner and saw the big, blue blowup finish line. Once I felt like I was at the right distance I started to open up my stride until I couldn't feel my legs anymore and I was flying through the air. It hurt yes, but it is one of the best things, in my opinion, to do. I ran past three people and as I went under the blow up finish line I walked it out to breathe. I walked up to that corner where I got excited about the finish line to wait for my two other friends. As I waited, I got to cheer more people on and tell them they were almost there. One person said it was her first time back since pneumonia and another smiled at me with no energy left to say thank you. I was proud and happy for all of them. I clapped for a long time for everyone that came by because everyone deserves a cheerleader. I know that when people cheer for me, it keeps me going. My one friend ran the 10k version so we were waiting for her for a little longer and got to see some of the people in the 5k who were doing walk and jog mixtures. It was so exciting to see how happy they were and grateful that we were cheering. I ran the finish line three time, one for myself and twice for my two friends. As I ran with my friends, I cheered for them and I think that brought smiles to other people's face as they saw us and how we were enjoying our time. When we walked to the award ceremony we laughed and smiled about what happened during the race. I was so excited that I finally ran 3.1 miles since 12 weeks. Then just this Thursday I did four miles! I have missed it. I can't wait to get back completely! They gave out chicken noodle soup during the race, which made me very happy and we waited together for the award ceremony. I ended up getting second in my age group! It was an amazing day that we were doing for ourselves, but simply by smiling and thinking of others we could make it about so much more.
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Today I spent my entire day with a huge smile on my face! I have to say it was one of the best days I've had in a long time and I hope to make it a new tradition. Everyone who is single most likely dreads Valentine's Day. I'll tell you that I am single and I was so excited! I couldn't wait, but what's the difference between me and someone else? I actually just read in a book that I am doing for a book club that said when you're suffering (I was not suffering no worries :) ), the best way to get rid of it is to focus on others. People say Valentine's Day is no fun because you don't have a boyfriend or a girlfriend and its a day of love where you can't celebrate. But wait! Say that again... a day of love!! Who said that that needs to be with a significant other? It can simply be with anyone! Love can be holding the door opened for a stranger or giving your good friend a hug! Valentine's day is a day to give out free candy without being questioned! So what did I do? Give out free candy and cookies!! I packaged them all in little baggies and I was eager to look for the person who might need them most. So many single people, and maybe even people who are married or dating others will feel gloomy from the holiday, but you can give them a reason to smile. A reason to remember that this is a day of love, not a day of significant other relationships! I personally feel Valentine's Day should be renamed to Love Day! At least that's what I said today :)
A friend of mine told me today that she didn't like Valentine's Day because people assume that they have to give something to a significant other. She thinks that should be everyday and I definitely agree with that! Although sometimes its good to have a reminder like Valentine's Day. I feel like giving people candy is a great excuse because no one questioned me when I told them it was for Valentine's Day. It's just like how there is a day for mothers and fathers, there should be one for love! My Valentine's Day consisted of an Ulta bag, a Bed Bath and Body Works bag, some cookies and some Skittles. I had 4 different parts of my day and each one brought me and so many others joy! In my Ulta bag I had little bags with a message of "Happy Valentine's Day" with some different kinds of candy. I have to say the morning was the best! I found people who were by themselves because I thought they could enjoy it the most. The first one I gave was in the library and she was very thankful. The next one was by far my favorite reaction. She was surprised and so excited and thankful. She even asked for my name and I learned hers! I hope I can see her again some time just to say hi! As I went throughout my day most people were surprised and happy to receive a small little gift, where some probably could have cared less. My second part of the Day was with my Bed Bath and Body Works bag. It had the same things in it and I brought it to the running club to give to my friends. I had left over so I got to give it to some more strangers including someone in the market place sitting by themselves. My next missions was my Skittles, I brought them to another club that I had to share with all the members. My final mission was the cookies. I brought them to Cru, another club I attend, and gave everyone a cookie if they wanted. The best part was that after all of that I had 2 cookies , 2 bags and about 7 more skittle packets left over. So I went to a cafe we have on campus and gave the rest out there! People were so excited and it brought a smile on their face as well as mine. I know at this point it is a little late for you to do this, but remember it for the future! You never have to be disappointed that Valentine's Day is coming. It's a day to give out free candy without question! I personally can't wait for next year! If you have any stories for Valentine's Day please feel free to share them with me :) HAPPY LOVE DAY!! |
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August 2022
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