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You see, in college I was absolutely not a runner. I was still trying to figure out what was going on with my POTS diagnosis, and I wasn’t on a beta-blocker until the end of college (that alone made a big difference, and I desperately wish that I had made the decision to go on that medication earlier). Not only did I not have POTS under any sort of control, but I would’ve told you that I absolutely despised running, and that, in no way could I ever see myself as a runner.
That thought alone absolutely astounds me, as I truly can’t believe that I ever used to live in a place where I hated to run.
Along the way I ran past my dorm where I lived for three years. I thought about the friends I had, the long nights of laughter (and some of tears), and all the passion and dreams I had for my life then (and the fact that I am living some of them out already really makes me happy). My best friend from college would often convince me to go to the gym with her, but at most I did the elliptical. She would run on the treadmill, and I would ask her almost every time how she tolerated running (This is funny now because almost every time we talk she says she doesn’t know how I handle running as much as I do. Ironic.).
I ran past a place on campus that, in part, commemorates a few of my friends who died while in college. I was reminded of the promises to myself I made when they died- to live deeply, purposefully, and passionately, and to not take life for granted. I probably spent close to a mile just thinking of them/how it changed me.
I ran just over 4 miles that day, and I felt like my mind never shut off the entire run. I reminisced, reflected, challenged myself, and enjoyed the growth in my life that I’ve experienced since college.
I’m thankful for little moments like that that remind me where I came from, the growth I’ve made, and where I want to continue to go. And really, it reminded me how thankful I am that even though I hated running, I decided to give it a try again after grad school, and fell in love with it.
Now it’s your turn to share! Have you stopped to reflect on life lately? Did you enjoy running in college?
I haven’t been running much lately (post marathon burnout!) but just started training for my first HM of the year. I never ran until 2012! Many times I reflect on how far I have come especially during a particularly difficult run. Sometimes I get choked up thinking about me, the non-runner, running.
I get choked up thinking the very same thing. Isn’t it so cool to see the progress and growth you’ve made?! 🙂
This is such a beautiful post Caroline! I love those runs when you feel so connected and are able to really reflect- it’s amazing what running can do. You are an incredible person and have so many amazing things up ahead for yoU!! xoxoxo
Thanks so much Andrea! It really is amazing what running and other forms of exercise can do for us.
This made me think back to my old running days, when I “talked” about doing a marathon and running longer distances, but it seemed so difficult and out of my reach. Five miles was A LONG way and huge feat for me. In college I much preferred the elliptical or stair-stepper. Running was hard!! I would love to go back and run the Houston Marathon (my first) and reflect on how running was back then vs. now. It used to be something very challenging and while it still is today, I enjoy every minute of it. ☺ I love your reflections and sharing the little things that made such a big difference to you in college.
It’s great to remember where we’ve come from in our lives and in our progress, isn’t it? I wish I could re-experience my first half marathon as well, but look at it through my eyes today 🙂
I never ran in college either, but it would be so fun to go back and run around and see it all that way.
Yes! Take the opportunity if you ever get the chance! 🙂