A New Challenge

A New Challenge

Hilly climbs surround you

Challenges you must face

The only way is up

      Gulp—

Do I have what it takes? 

Can I handle this detour?
It came out of the blue
Will I embrace this new path? 

Or dig my heels in and stew?

You can do this

My mind clears   

Yes— 

You have what it takes

Accept the road you’re on 

One small step
I know you can take

Keep pushing courage
Grab my hand
Keep your eyes and heart open
In your weakness— 

He has a plan 

__________________________

Are you facing a challenge or trouble?

I’ve noticed over the years how running helps me process life’s challenges. Meeting the road or trail with sneakers double-laced— provides a way for me to unplug from the noise and work through my outrageous mind. 

At the beginning of January 2022, my husband was rediagnosed with testicular cancer. I’m grateful I had running as one of my tools to process my pain, anger, worry, and sadness. I’m thankful I had a run buddy to keep me showing up. 

Below is a piece I’m working on for my next book— Our Tangle with Testicular Cancer. 

Running was my way to keep going. 

Tell me when you’re faced with trouble what is your way to keep placing one foot in front of the other? 

I recall one weekend run. I was slow and a few strides behind Felicia, my Saturday run buddy. I didn’t have the energy to keep up during some parts of the run. She kept her pace and continued to encourage me as I focused on her words pulling me along, instead of my worries. I apologized as I pushed to catch up to her.

She looked over her left shoulder, “Today’s run is about conversation, movement, and being in nature, that’s what we are doing right now. Don’t worry about pace, speed, or time—run for the enjoyment.”

It was just what I needed to hear. I was grateful. We noticed two bluebirds and a cardinal. I heard a downy woodpecker drum from above. The sunrise covered the sky in bright pink as we made our way uphill. The tension in my face and shoulders relaxed. The grip of my fists released. I took some deep breaths and smiled to myself.

What a gorgeous morning.

I didn’t want to get out of bed but I was happy I showed up to see the beautiful sunrise. It energized me. It gave me peace and filled me with hope.

I was thankful to have Felicia running ahead of me to keep me going. Her support and encouragement gave me strength. I would need these Saturday runs to lift me and to help me face the road ahead.

Even though my pace was slow. Even though I was worried I was slowing Felicia down. Even though Jeff was suffering through chemotherapy treatments. Even though I was scared, anxious, and full of doubt. I will rejoice and be glad. I will rejoice and be glad.

Thank you for reading. 

I would love to know what keeps you going during life’s challenges. Feel free to send me an email, connect with me on Run to Write, or better yet in person. I will be at The Inner Harbor 5K Race and The E-Race Cancer Half Marathon both in October. I hope to meet you then.      

Take good care,

Julie

Connect with me— Run to Write/ Email/Facebook

Author of: Staring Down a Dream: A Mom, a Marathoner, a Mission/ My Road: A Runner’s Journey Through Persistent Pain to Healing 

Listen to a poem every Thursday: Run to Write Poetry Podcast