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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

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