It's crazy how music can send you to so many places and bring back memories either recent or from years past. I'm sure you've experienced it many times. A song can catch me off guard, regardless of where I am or what I'm doing and cause the biggest smile or tears to come across my face. I love it and hate it all at the same time.
Today I was cleaning the kitchen and had Pandora on with my new favorite station created from the Broadway Musical 'Once'. I've only listened to that station a few times, and have really connected with some of the songs and artists that station plays. I highly recommend it!
Well, the last time it was playing on my airwaves was on Saturday when I was driving home from Mendon Ponds Park. That was the first time I heard an artist, new to me, who was singing a cover of 'With or Without you' by U2. This song captivated me. The acoustic guitar and voices that are in this version hit me and immediately made me feel calm. At that moment when it was playing in the car, I was driving out of Mendon Ponds Park. The sun was high over the Sunflower field, creating such a beautiful picture. I wish I had my {good} camera! It was stunning.
Well today, when I was in my kitchen and this song came on again, I was able to think about that perfect morning. It was such a great distraction from the dishwasher that needed to be emptied and plied dishes in the sink that needed to be rinsed and loaded. I was able to get lost in the song, continue the task at hand and reminisce about Saturday mornings' accomplishment.... where I ran the longest distance I ever had!
I remember feeling invincible. It truly was the proudest I have ever been about myself. 7.5 miles. Who knew I had it in me? Who knew that on that cold February morning when I walked into Fleet Feet to "learn how to run" that 6 months later I'd be enduring the hills of Mendon Ponds Park... oh and actually RUN seven and a half miles? All that and more was flooding my mind Saturday morning. I knew that when I pulled in the driveway that moment was going to be over. And I was perfectly content with that. I had things to do (SHOWER) and people to see (Family Reunion Party) and I knew I was going to feel great inside the entire day!
The run itself had it's good parts and bad, but the group I was with was the BEST ever. I've become close to new runners who have an amazing energy! Pina was our fearless pacer and just kicked butt! Honestly, I see her get stronger after each run!
I don't know what it is, but after I can physically see 4 miles on my watch, everything a head of me seems easier. The first 3-4 miles, always seems boring and tough. It's all a mental thing, but as soon as my watch reads something more than 4.0, I feel like a switch in my brain turns on and sends a signal to my body that it's "GAME TIME". Call it adrenaline or call it the drive to make this a "significant" run that means something. As I explore longer distances and realize that I can do it, I become more excited to get it done. Sure, the jitters the night before are still there, but the confidence the morning of is getting stronger!
What moves me today? September 21st. In less than a month I'll be running the Marathon relay with some pretty inspiring people! I'm in 'training mode' until then and am pretty excited to see the end result!!
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