Like so many of the other firsts in my life, I remember my first "runner's high" as if it were yesterday. By Amby Burfoot From the June 2004 issue of Runner's World
This was the article I read today and was like “ah-ha, yeah, that’s it!” When running on this past Sunday morning along the scenic HWY 66-I had a whirlwind of thoughts going through my mind. It was the anniversary of 9/11/01. I have experienced this “feeling” a couple of times since last April when I started running---the very first day I did “couch to 5K” was one, one other time this summer and Sunday….not only did I have a whirlwind of thoughts-but a whirlwind of feelings. And I ran….and ran and I experienced the elusive “Runner’s High”. And I thought, It has taken me a long time to be able to say that I am a runner, but I am and I am really proud of that.
I had friends running in Chicago in memory of their aunt and friend who died that day 10 years ago in the towers. I also knew her. One of her sisters is a dear friend-I thought of all of them and all of the heartache that was caused that day-to so many people.
10 years ago Tory was 10!! And today, she is engaged. I thought about her wedding day, all the planning. All the fun. How lucky she is (as well as we are) to have found such a wonderful man ---and such a wonderful family. It is heartwarming to know that you love your son-in-law and his family loves your daughter just the same. And of course I couldn’t help but think of --- All the money we are about to spend! I am so excited about helping her plan her special day but not so excited about “losing” my baby---if only just a little.
I thought of where I am today compared to where I was 10 years ago. How my life had changed and in some ways how it is the same. I thought of the people that I have lost , who have went on to higher and better places—especially my dad and my wonderful friend Traci. I thought of who is a staple and who is still in my life now and then—my best friend Julie, my husband, Ron and of course my mom and brother-how I can’t imagine life without any of them…..but I couldn’t imagine life without my dad either and it’s hard, but I am doing just fine. I am so very thankful for the friends that I have, the very good friends that I am so blessed to have enjoying, living and mourning this life together. I even have some people in my life that I didn’t have 10 years ago and they have blessed my life even more-The Rogers Family, Rosemary and The Casebolts; to name a very few.
My daughter Jenna was so little 10 years ago and today she is a long-legged, long haired blond who is truly one of my best friends. Between her and my nephews and niece…my life is very full and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
So I have come very far in 10 years and even further during this past year. I don’t have to look back 10 years to see huge changes in my life. On this date a year ago, I weighed 63 pounds more than I do today, I hardly ever did anything active after I left work and I was TIRED. Today I run 13-17 miles a week, Zumba twice a week and can’t wait to do any activities that the kids want to do and most importantly—I love my life! Change occurs every day. We need to live everyday to the fullest, love everyone the most we can and experience every morsel we can get into! Tomorrow may never come, but today is ours to live—it is after all-the “present”.
