More Than Miles: My Running Journey. Rediscovered

Forget about sprinting at 5, 10, or even 15. My love affair with running blossomed much later, at 27.? When I started off, plenty of questions swirling in my head – why running? why now? is it really worth the effort? etc – but there was this fire in my gut,?you know??Like,?carve-my-own-path,?push-past-limits kinda fire.?Running wasn't about trophies or Olympic dreams; it was about chasing me,?myself,?and I,?carving out a personal space on the open road.?It was more than exercise; it was my soundtrack,?the constant rhythm thumping through sunrises and city blocks alike.

Ever since running has been part of my life. Till about 18 months ago. when,?life threw me a curveball. Health challenges replaced the familiar thump-thump-thump of my feet,?casting uncertainty like a fog over my path.?Running,?my loyal bestie,?became a phantom limb,?aching for the pavement it used to dance on.?Doubt slithered in,?whispering "will I ever be able to run at all". Months flew by,?and I watched time fly by.

But the runner's spark within refused to be extinguished.?About two months ago,?with shaky steps and a heart in my throat,?I stepped back onto the asphalt. Initially the pain was excruciating. Every step felt like lifting a ton of bricks. The first day, I could hardly manage a few hundred meters. But with each shaky step and passing day, body got adjusted. It was like relearning a language I used to speak fluently,?but slowly,?my body remembered the song of the road.

Now, I eagerly look forward to my weekend runs. Where I run 20, 25 kms easily. In fact I have started feeling much more comfortable running, than I ever was. Rediscovering the joy of running feels like a second sunrise,?seasoned with gratitude and a sprinkle of quiet awe.

You know what's funny about running??It makes me feel infinite,?like I could just keep going forever fueled by water and a sliver of determination.?But it's more than just sweating it out; it's a constant interrogation,?a battle with my own physical and mental limits.?There's no room for slacking,?no space for doubt's poisonous whispers.?Every step is a victory,?a tiny flag planted against the voice inside that urges me to quit.

That relentless pursuit,?that laser focus on the finish line,?that's what elevates running beyond mere miles and sweat.?It's a life lesson in disguise,?reminding me that the journey matters just as much as the destination.?Sure,?reaching the end feels damn good,?but it's the countless steps in between,?the stumbles and triumphs,?the tears and laughter,?that paint the real masterpiece.

As I chase new milestones,?my running reminds me it's not about the numbers on my app or the envious glances from bystanders.?It's about the lessons etched into my soul.?Running has taught me resilience,?about pushing beyond perceived limits,?about finding strength when I feel like I'm running on fumes.?It's a teacher,?a cheerleader,?a constant companion whispering words of encouragement on this crazy roller coaster called life.

And I owe a silent thank you to many. The sun for painting the sky with hope,?to the open road for being my canvas,?to the wind for the pure air,?to the rain for letting me enjoy running in puddles,?to my body for remembering how to fly,?and most importantly,?to myself for never giving up,?for always finding my way back,?one shaky step at a time. And not to forget the special people who were there when I began my running journey. Their inspiration and encouragement played an immense role which I can never forget.?

This is just the beginning of my running journey,?with many more milestones to chase and challenges to conquer,?both physically and mentally.?Because in the end,?running isn't about being the fastest or the bravest.?It's about finding your feet,?both literally and figuratively.?It's about embracing the journey,?pushing your limits,?and discovering the incredible potential that lies within each and every one of us.?And that,?my friends,?is a marathon worth running,?even if it's just one step at a time,?with a grateful heart and a head full of wind.