Running To and From September 20, 2008
Posted by Joe Thorn in : thoughts , trackbackI think a lot when I run. Sometimes it’s incredible helpful, other times it leads me to the same place a treadmill does - nowhere. Here’s one of the conversations that I have had with myself repeatedly over the past year and a half, and again this morning during my 5 mile run.
Am I running from something, or toward something? Maybe this is a stupid conversation I’m having with myself that stems from some pseudo-psychological insight that looks for metaphorical and metaphysical meaning behind everything a person does. Maybe I’m just running. Maybe. Certainly, some people just run. There are times I feel that way; when I’m not running to or from anything. But in general, I think its a good question to ask myself. So what is it?
I have to admit, the idea of running from something doesn’t feel very empowering. It feels weak. Fearful. As if I’m not man enough to face my fears. To stand and fight. On the other hand, there are some things that merit our turning and running. Zombies for example. I’d run without feeling bad about that. Standing and fighting might seem glamorous, but running away is sometimes the best strategy.
So, what monsters might I be running from? Obesity? Check. General ill-health? Check. Hereditary diseases? Check. I think those are things are worth running from.
But what am I running toward? Longer life? God-willing. Happier life? Check. Greater freedom to do the things I want? Check. Being a good example to my family and friends in an area our country needs more positive examples? Check.
Ok, so I’m running to and from. And the things I am fleeing are things that can kill me, or at the very least rob me of the life God intends for me to enjoy. And I am running toward so much more than I could experience where I was previously. Sometimes I am motivated by fear (I do not want to get fat again), and sometimes by the desire to conquer (I will make the most of this life God has given me).
Then again - maybe I am just running, and all of this is simply the product of dissociative thinking while I’m out here covering the miles. Honestly, most of the time I run because I enjoy it. I love it. It makes me feel great. I may be running to and from as well, but the important thing is - I run.
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[...] enjoyed Joe Thorn’s post on his Learning to Run Blog this morning titled Running To and From. In it, he asks the questions “what are you running from?” and “what are you [...]