9 March 2008
Attitude
Posted by Deborah Pieri under: Deborah Pieri .
I woke up at 6:30 yesterday and flipped on the TV to check the temperature. When I saw that it was 8 degrees with a wind chill well below zero, I just lay in bed, thinking, oh no, not another bitterly cold long run. How much more will we have to endure this winter? I hate being cold. I forced myself to get up and get dressed. I made a cup of coffee and had a piece of whole wheat toast with peanut butter. I grabbed my hat, scarf, gloves, and fleecy lime green socks to put on over my gloves (really helped shield the wind), and I headed out the door. Rungazelle was running from Rogue River Park, in Belmont on the White Pine Trail. I was a little late and the runners had already taken off, but a few of us were still trickling in. I was feeling a little guilty because my husband Tim was volunteering at WYCE and would have to log his 13 miles alone later.
I started to run. It was very bitter, especially with the wind. “Why am I out here in this?” I thought. Because I can be. . . because I am blessed to be healthy and uninjured. . . .because running is one of the forces that has made me into a very disciplined, determined, and goal-oriented person. . . . the kind of nut who would run because. . . . I could run! It didn’t matter that I was tired, cold, and had a ton of other things to do on Saturday. I made a commitment to train and run this race, and a cold day is no excuse to not run. I would run.
The sun was out and the scenery was lovely. All was quiet and cold. After the first few miles, I warmed up and settled into the rhythm of the run. Despite the cold, I felt great and had an awesome 13 mile run. I felt strong and confident. . . . . so happy to be out there running. I noticed that I was smiling a lot as I ran (maybe my face was just frozen in that position), but I felt so much joy as I plodded along. I mostly ran alone which gave me time to pray for my kids and to think. . . . always a wonderful thing. At one of the water/gatorade stations one of the other runners looked at me and remarked that I had a great smile. “It’s frozen in place,” I almost said, but instead I just said, “I love to run and am so happy to be here!” And that is the truth. It was cold, but the sun was shining and I felt quite triumphant when I finished! It’s really all about embracing the moment, finding the joy and letting go of the negative. This winter will not get me down! I know what’s coming and it’s gonna be great!
Happy running all!
Deb
6 Comments so far...
Steve Kelly Says:
10 March 2008 at 12:27 pm.
I saw that great smile on Saturday Deb! Well done. ROAD WARRIORS!
Terry Says:
10 March 2008 at 6:58 pm.
Great job Deb. Hopefully it will start warming up. Don’t loose that great smile. Thank you for the card. 
Terry
Bob Says:
10 March 2008 at 9:06 pm.
It was great seeing you briefly Saturday on my way back to Belmont. Keep that positive attitude working in your favor!
Shelly Says:
11 March 2008 at 12:19 pm.
Sorry I missed running with you all on Saturday–but great job for still getting up and getting out there in the cold!!! You are the epitome of a Warrior, Deb!
dan fojtik Says:
14 March 2008 at 10:16 pm.
Hey Deb — The wife and I met you at Gibbo’s party. I wasn’t going to run today, but read your comments and was inspired to get out there. Thank you…
Deb Says:
16 March 2008 at 5:08 pm.
Dan, it was great meeting you guys at the party! What a great time that was! I’m so glad that you got out to run! The sunshine has been glorious! Didn’t you feel just great? I hope to see you at the riverbank run!