I couldn't have said it better myself. But, then again, I don't typically talk about my spirituality.
During training I don't make it to formal worship all that often. I grew up in the Presbyterian tradition and still embrace some of its causes; however, as I get older, I have found that my spirituality has really blossomed outside of a brick-and-mortar church. Sunday mornings are now typically reserved for waking up early and logging 2-3 hours of running before most folks get through the sermon.
That's not to say I don't have guilt about missing services. I thought (and still sometimes think) that somehow I'd become a lesser Presbyterian because my glutes were firing on the road instead of seated in a pew. I know a lot of people believe that attendance is required to be a good Christian and that's totally fine - to each their own. I, however, find that I get my best prayer and meditation in during my runs.
And best of all, that spiritual time extends to each of the 5 or 6 days a week I run.
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| Taking it all in during a Sunday morning 14 miler throughout Point Loma and Mission Bay in San Diego (February, 2012). This route featured some of the most stunning miles I've ever run (more on SoCal jaunts in a future post). |
It's an opportunity to reflect, to collect, to offer praise, to ask for help.
These past few days, I've been increasingly thankful for bearing witness to the wonder of daybreak. I've been in awe of watching night gradually give way to the greyed mauve of dawn and feel that elusive fall-tinged breeze renew my spirit.
And I'll continue to rejoice and be glad in it.
Does your running ritual satisfy more than your need to complete a training plan or weekly mileage quota? Leave a message with your story!
