Fields of Flowers

So, those who know us probably know about all the crazy things that Randy convinces me to try - rock climbing, skiing (bad idea), hiking (in the Grand Canyon no less), and mountain biking.  Now we have embarked on the challenging world of running.  Yes, you read that right.....me.....running. We started off in the gym, on the treadmill for the first few weeks.  It was hard enough dragging my out-of-shape self there in the first place, because isn't it inevitable that you show up, self conscious in your gym clothes, and you're surrounded by thin, fit, bouncy little things in their matching sports bra tops and skin tight shorts, turning all the guys heads as they workout on the eliptical machine?  It truly is enough to make you want to turn right around and flee for the safety of your couch, who never judges how wide your hips seem to have gotten overnight.  But, Randy went - so, not to be outdone, I went - and struggled at first just to stay on the stupid treadmill and not trip, flying off the back and hitting the girl on the eliptical machine.  I eventually got the hang of it and was actually feeling decent about my accomplishment when Randy suggested we make a goal of training for a half marathon in November.  I agreed (still feeling pretty confident about my treadmill skills) and so that lead to us beginning to run outside.  Now, those of you who have ever tried to run any distance outside know that the first time you go from the gym to the road is an incredible difference.  There are probably a lot of people who had no trouble with this adjustment, but I, on the other hand, began hating the whole experience from the first step on the pavement.  I never realized how hard running outside would be.  On the treadmill you have a nice even flat surface that moves on it's own power and propels you along, feeling quite good about your speed.  With the road, however, you have to push yourself forward, and the terrain is anything but perfectly flat.  I spent that first run promising myself that if I ever made it back to the apartment, I would NEVER run again.  Randy was so sweet and ran at my pace the whole way, talking to me as if he were standing still with such easy breathing and here I was sweating and huffing and puffing, with my face flaming red.  I did, though, decide to give it one more try a few days later and ran 5 miles by myself.  Now...I love it.  I can't explain the change, but I think when I lightened up on myself and didn't try to run at someone else's pace, just enjoying it for myself and the experience of finishing my goal for the day, it made me really feel good about myself.  We've been at it now for about 8 weeks and I still have days when I think to myself I've got to be nuts to actually choose to do this when I clearly still get out of breath, I now have blisters and callouses on my feet, and I'm sure I go slower than most average people who run.  But, you know, when I plug in my iPod (I love Selah - incredible worship songs) and head out on my own, it really is a moment when life just slows down, the stress and noise and craziness of the world is put on hold and I honestly feel closer to God.  Just the other day, I was running along this back road we travel that borders several fields and a big horse ranch.  It's rained quite a bit lately and the fields are totally covered in bright yellow and purple flowers - absolutely gorgeous.  I was running along, listening to my music and just thought about how if it hadn't been for all the stormy afternoons, those flowers wouldn't be blooming and so beautiful.  I know I personally have been having some dark, stormy days when stress seems heavy on my shoulders, but on that day it seemed that God was gently reminding me that without the rain, there wouldn't be growth.  However, just a word to the wise for anyone thinking of taking up this sport, soak in the scenery because it is spectacular but always keep one eye on the road.  I was admiring those flowers so intensely and so enjoying my run, that I failed to notice the rocks in the road (this road is dirt and does become rather rocky in this area).  Before I knew it, I was taking a superman dive right to the ground.  Move over Micheal Phelps...you may be the superman of the water, but I had you beat that day in the dirt.  I had so much momentum that I slid a good foot or two and peeled away some of the skin on my right forearm and right hip.  After I picked myself up and picked the rocks out of my arm, I headed back down the road for my trip home.  Then, the most incredible thing.  I came around the corner and in no exaggeration, there were 50 elk in one of the fields enjoying a tasty wildflower snack!  50!  I counted them!  I just had to stop and walk slowly going past them I was so awestruck - not to mention I was a little intimidated by the sight of them and had no intention of running by and causing them to stampede.  I couldn't believe it.  I ran back to the apartment and breathlessly told Randy about my adventure.  My rambling done for now, I'm sure I'll have more running stories, but hopefully no more that involve road rash.  Remember to be thankful for the rain, admire the flowers, but be sure not to forget about the rocks!