Slogging by Choice

If you would have told me 15 years ago that I would be a GU guzzling, marathon training, running on my own free will kind of person, I would have begun the process to admit you to the psychiatric hospital right then and there - on the spot. I despised running in high school and did anything and everything to keep from doing it. Maybe it was the fact that I was told I had to run cross country and track in order to play basketball. Maybe it was the panhandle winds that added to the misery. No - now that I think about it - I think I just plain didn't enjoy the act of running.

My, how things have changed.....I am planning weekend trips to Boston and New York for work and instead of googling places to eat and shop while on my free time - I am searching jogging paths to plan my runs for those weekends -

New York Central Park Jogging Map

Boston - jogging map along the Charles River

Round-Trip Distances starting at Anderson Bridge 1. Western Avenue Loop: 1.3 miles 2. River Street Loop: 1.7 miles 3. Massachusetts Avenue Loop: 5.6 miles 4. Longfellow Bridge Loop: 7.6 miles 5. Museum of Science Loop: 8.6 miles

Believe it or not - these trails are not long enough for the mileage I will be running at the end of September.....And...get this.....I am actually excited about getting to run in new places...places named Heartbreak Hill. Have I gone insane? I actually planned my airfare based on having time to get in a run before I have to leave for the airport on Sunday. What have you done with the Leslie we all knew and loved and how do we get her back? : )

Now, don't get me wrong. I am not that cute petite girl that glides across the road, pony tail swinging with the beat of her ipod, wearing the cute little jog bra and tincy wincy jogging shorts without a care in the world. I mean - I know hate is a strong word - but I may actually hate those girls! : ) No, I am trudging, or slogging as my co-worker Beth likes to call it, along in my baggy shorts and tshirt with a look of "how many more @@%@$@ing steps" But as soon as I have acomplished my goal - the end of that run - pure bliss! I don't get the runner's high during the run - I get the runner's "thank God I am finished" after the run.

When I stop and think about the ability to run - especially with the viewpoint that I have from the kids with muscular dystrophy that I love and work with - I wonder, what would they give to be able to jog even one step? God has granted me the ability to walk and yes, even slog. I give thanks for this and I will keep trudging on - trying to enjoy every step.