Enough is enough.
At the age of 28 I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. I had a doctor who wanted to put me on medication that would alter my appearance, my moods, my body chemistry. For life. I wasn’t willing to accept his diagnosis or his treatment options. Instead, I turned to exercise for relief from my symptoms. I started out walking, and accidentally started running. And amazingly, my symptoms improved.
My friends and family thought I was crazy. They would pass me on the road and honk. Offer me a ride. Call me later to ask how long I had been out there. To ask me why I choose to run.
Why do I run?
I run because it makes me feel alive. It makes me feel well. It makes me feel good enough. I run because it makes me feel empowered. It gives me a challenge. It gives me much needed me-time. I run because it makes me a better mother. It makes me a better wife. It makes me a better employee. I run because I appreciate the legs and heart and lungs that let me. I run to feel athletic. To feel free. To feel light. I run for the camaraderie. I run to be alone. I run because I want to. I run because I have to. I run because it makes everything else seem possible.
