Belt Triathlon Marathon

This afternoon I decided to go for a run, well jog actually, but I like to convince myself I'm running. Now the fact that I have two marathons under my belt means that I run now purely for the health benefits and for being out there with the wind in my face and the sun in the sky. I love the feeling of my heart pumping, the breath coming and going, the blood flowing through my veins... you get the picture.

I run because I choose to, not because I have to but that does tend to mean that these days I am a fair weather runner.

But, this afternoon God had other plans!

I left the house, in sunshine at five minutes past two, planning to trot for about twenty minutes and at seven minutes past two it started to hail. It wasn't very convincing at first, so I didn't turn back. But as I turned the corner to run along the road that ran along open fields it became seriously convincing. Driving wind and driving hail, superb. Yet somehow I kept going, along with my legs and my lungs!

I sought cover, but I quickly observed there are no leaves on the trees as yet, so shelter was not an option. With non waterproof hood up, I battled on. The upside I discovered is, hail isn't actually that wet. So although I was a little sore on exposed areas I wasn't that wet, yet. As I turned the next corner, it began to sheet rain. I got wet. By now I had reached the hysterical, not worrying about keeping dry anymore stage, and completely surrendered to getting drenched. With a smile on my face, I knew that passing drivers must have thought I was bonkers, I decided to run for a bit longer than I had planned!

Turning away from home again, the rain promptly stopped. But by now I was in my running rhythm. My breath felt comfortable and my legs were relaxed even though my jogging bottoms were stuck fast. I had survived the challenge and weathered the storm and I could return home soggy but strong and triumphant.

What an incredible metaphor for my life, right now!

 Let me see if I can show you how...

 At this time I am re-evaluating and re-emerging. As I become clearer about what shape that re-emerging will take I am taken by the hand by my old friends fear and self doubt. They ask me to keep things safe, keep things familiar and very much under my control. They want fair weather and flat roads and I don't mind that at all if I'm honest. But something deeper within me calls. Fear and self doubt are compelled to shrink back and that deeper something compels me forwards in to unknown circumstances. There may be times when there will be no protection and no where to shelter, although I admit I would seek it, but there will also be no turning back. It's just not an option somehow and therein lies the rub. For therein, is where previously hidden strengths emerge. Perhaps uncovered is the ability to laugh in the face of adversity and to not take myself or the situation too seriously in spite of what others may think. Or perhaps, discovered, is the stamina to keep going, overcoming adversity and to keep on going when others have long since fallen by the wayside and to even then, keep on going.

And when I finally arrive home? Still me.

Nothing life threatening is happening here and nor does it need to and although it may get a little uncomfortable at times the predominant feeling is that of exhilaration. Being alive! Living! Connecting! Still you.

Centred, calm at peace.

So get out there guys. When the rain comes get your wellies on, push your hood back and turn your face to the wind and the rain. Let it invigorate you and awaken you. Let it call you back to feeling connected to what really matters - Living life!

Peace.

Penny Mckay is a bodywork therapist and believes passionately in the power of the body, mind, spirit connection. Her work involves assisting clients in raising their awareness of themselves and their True power, through journeying with the body. Penny also offers articles, information, links and forthcoming events of the body, mind and spirit kind via her blog-ezine. To find out more click http://www.pennymckay.co.uk

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