RUNNING IS GOOD FOR YOUR SOUL.

Do you love to run?

When I was young I remember my grandmother covering her face when we left the house. Her skin was like porcelain, beautifully white and soft, with barely a wrinkle, but always a smile. She didn’t use any fancy soaps or creams. Turns out that even a hint of wind brushing her skin caused pain. My mom explained that it had something to do with her nerve endings. She died when she was 92.

When I was 40 one of my five children died. My twin daughter was only 16. She didn’t like running or walking. I needed to dodge the pain. So I started running.

Now, nine years later, I run because that’s when I feel most alive. I run with the daughter who now lives within me. We talk as the birds sing and the leaves fall. I’m sure she can hear me gasp for breath as the trail steepens. I hear her voice as clearly as I hear the foghorns of ferries and tugs sift through the trees. When the rain and wind slap my face I see my grandmother standing beside the nearest tree. I smell her as vividly as I smell the cedars lining the path. As I touch the bark I imagine my hand resting against her cheek. I watch for roots as I plant my heels and roll forward. The morning dew in the high grass soaks my shoes as I cross the field. Sagging blackberry bramble scratch my shin. Nettles hit my thighs. Memories of those who have passed before me make me smile. Some confuse me. Thoughts turn to those friends who can hardly walk due to illness. Thoughts turn to those friends who will never walk again. I run for each of them. I dodge the cobwebs. It’s fall. The earth is pulling back.

When I run, my five senses turn to six. All are active and on high alert. My focus is crisp. I feel strong and free. I am alive when I run.

Why do you love to run?

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