Skip to main content

Humbled by Running

I realized today that there are a number of words I use on a semi-daily basis that I don't even know the true meaning of (wow ending sentences in prepositions, today is not a good writing day). Because I am a word of the dayer I feel like I have a somewhat adequate and intelligent vocabulary but when I realize I don't know the literal definition of, say, the word humble I need to educate myself so I don't sound ridiculous!

Dictionary.com solved this problem and provided me with a definition of humble (I should mention that I might still sound ridiculous even though I looked up the definition, but I'm OK with that.). Here is what I learned:

Humbled means:
adjective
1.
not proud or arrogant; modest: to be humble althoughsuccessful.
2.
having a feeling of insignificance, inferiority, subservience,etc.: In the presence of so many world-famous writers I feltvery humble.
3.
low in rank, importance, status, quality, etc.; lowly: ofhumble origin; a humble home.
4.
courteously respectful: In my humble opinion you are wrong.
5.
low in height, level, etc.; small in size: a humble member ofthe galaxy.
verb

6.
to lower in condition, importance, or dignity; abase.
7.
to destroy the independence, power, or will of.
8.
to make meek: to humble one's heart.


So I realized this weekend sometimes the things we love the most (running) are also the things that humble us the most. Take my Buckeye Classic 10k for example. As you all know I LOVE running. It brings me peace and serenity during even the most difficult days, but that 10k kicked my butt and sort of made me wonder if I can even call myself a runner. Now before you continue reading you must know that I ran a FREAKING marathon just one month ago. Humbled? Yep, I'd say so...

As I sit here recovering from a 10k I can't help but think I need to remember the activity that made me feel less significant, lowered my condition and made me feel meek is also the thing that holds me up. I am the type of person who used to be beat down when something proves more challenging than I initially anticipated but I have also realized that sticking to those same activities can provide me the stability needed to conquer my fears, insecurities, etc. So as I sit here wondering if I am actually a runner, I recognize I need to strap on my running shoes and continue to lean on and trust what kicked my butt on Sunday rather than abandon it because eventually it will make me an even greater person. I am going to embrace and welcome running back into my life, even after Sunday, because my potential with running is that much greater than my potential without it!

Take that Buckeye Classic 10k!!!

Comments

  1. AnonymousNovember 15, 2011 at 11:03 PM

    Run Sarah Run

    ReplyDelete
  2. Christina BradyNovember 16, 2011 at 2:08 AM

    Eat no more humble pie!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. MandyNovember 17, 2011 at 2:13 PM

    You definitely are a runner!!! That race was TOUGH!

    I've decided it just means I need to train on that trail so I can kick it's butt next year. Want to join me? :D

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

I Have Multiple Sclerosis

One of my favorite bike rides ever! I have debated whether I was going to make this public for quite some time, however there really aren't any significant reasons why I wouldn't share. It hasn't impacted my life dramatically, and if I'm lucky, it never will. I also don't want to be a poster child, nor do I require or want any special treatment simply because I have MS. The thing is, I know more and more people who are impacted significantly by this disease and I feel compelled to help the cause. So for one purpose only, I am outing myself. Here's the brief story. Two years ago my tongue went numb, my arm went numb and I though I slept funny or had a mini stroke. I brushed it off as sleeping funny day after day, after day. Then my eye started twitching, among other symptoms. I decided I was simply crazy... After a while all of these symptoms became so infuriating so I went to the doctor. While at the doctor, he chalked it up to stress, but after a closer ...
13 comments
Read more

All in a Day's Work

I don't even know how to begin this post... Several months ago, my sister had this bright idea to do her first half iron distance triathlon. I have always wanted to do one so I told her if she did it I would do it too. Next thing I know I was clicking register now on the registration page of the Highcliff Triathlon in Wisconsin. You can read about some of the reactions I received when I announced to various friends that I was going to do this race here . Over the months my friends have taken on the challenge of being supportive and cheering me on along the way. This was no easy feat as I was on the training roller coaster. As the day approached, I thought about all of the possible things that could go wrong and right. I had visions of myself standing on the side of the bike course with a flat tire, me holding on to a lifeguard boat, dreams about wearing clown shoes for the run, and on and on... I also day dreamed about the finish line, what it might look like, who would be the...
16 comments
Read more

Social Media and Athleticism

***I am going to use some terminology that might be offensive to some, Sorry! Also, this is a bit of a rant so read on if you wish... This is also probably going to make me seem OLD!!!*** Isn't this the truth!!! It is a rare occasion, anymore, to have a conversation with a friend that doesn't include at least a brief mention of Facebook. Daily Mile is creeping up to be of similar stature with the running crowd. I have been analyzing the impact of social media on my life for some time. Many smart (and not so smart) people have conducted studies on the psychological impact of social media on humans. Like any research, you can find a study to match any position you would like to take on this issue, I am going to be the guinea pig for this post though! So, in my case I gave up regular use of Facebook back in December. I now have, what I call, Facebook Sunday. Every Sunday I allow myself unrestricted use of Facebook and I can honestly say that I probably ...
8 comments
Read more