Baby steps back to running

I went on a run/walk last night. It started out as a walk. I just wanted to walk. I wanted to get outside and feel the cold air on my face (already in the 30s and 40s here). So I did what I didn't think I could do.

I laced up my running shoes.

I walked, then decided I'd give running a try. Good news is, I'm okay. Bad news is, I only made it 1/2 mile before I was overcome with emotion. But it's a step in the right direction.

During my walk/run I thought a lot about what happened last weekend. I thought about Shane. I thought about Holly. I thought about myself. On my walk back home I decided to not take running for granted anymore. I think I take it for granted all too often. There are days when I'm perfectly able to go outside and hit the pavement, yet I choose not to because "I don't feel like it." I'm wasting those days. I'm wasting my capability to actually go running. I'm able to run. So I need to run. For those that can't. For Shane. For everyone.

Emotionally, I'm not fully there yet. I think that'll take time. But 1/2 mile by 1/2 mile, I'll eventually get there again. I will. Because I can. Because I'm able. Because I love running. Because it's a part of me.

Because Shane can't run anymore, and so many others (for whatever reason) can't run anymore -- I will run for them. I have to.