Gratitude
I was so looking forward to an easy trail run today, but my legs said “NO!” Yesterday’s, race took everything my quads had to offer. It seems I really did give it my all during the race. The most interesting muscles that were screaming during my run today were my obliques. I’ve had sore abdominal muscles after long runs with lots of downhills, but never from a 4-miler!
The 5-mile trail run turned into a 1.5 mile run and a 3.5 mile walk. During the run portion of my workout, I really started to think about my legs and my running life. I decided that I wanted to write a letter to my legs just like the Dove Campaign that Angela introduced us to on her blog.
Dearest Legs,
I hope you can forgive me for all the mean and horrible things I’ve said to you over the years. I’ve called you fat, jiggly and stubby. I’ve used words to describe you that should never be muttered out loud. I’ve wished for a different pair. A longer, leaner pair that will fit into skinny jeans, one that allows me to look like a gazelle while running.
I’ve repeatedly asked the impossible of you. I’ve asked you to run mile after mile when you didn’t want to. I’ve asked you to bike, ski, climb, sprint, squat, lunge and jump in an effort to make you stronger, faster and fitter. You’ve done nothing but perform on demand time and time again.
In 20 years of running you’ve only rebelled with 3 running related injuries. Day in and day out you keep me happy and sane. You allow me to live the life that allows me to love life. You’ve allowed me to express anger, tears and joy by allowing me to run year after year.
Every night when I say my prayers I thank God for you. When people ask me what I’m thankful for in life your always on my top 10 list. You may not be the strongest, longest or prettiest pair of legs the world has ever seen, but you’re perfect the way you are!
I guess its the fall like weather that reminds me of our first cross country season in 7th grade and is the reason for my sentiment. You were there for me then and you’re there for me today. Thank you and keep up the good work! I’m forever grateful for all that you do for me despite my evil words and harsh demands.
Oh, I love the letter to your legs. That is great. I should consider writing one to my stomach, maybe.
-maria
LOVE the letter to your legs!
Oh, you’re legs are probably so thankful for the heartfelt letter of appreciation
Thanks for your comment about my post. I actually posted that “Who am I?” page for about 1 minute, simply so I could put a link to it on my homepage. I’m still figuring out this whole Blogger thing, but for now I just have to manage through the loopholes!
A letter to your legs, I love it!
Great letter to you legs!
Great post and I always thank god for the ability to walk, run, and not be confined to a wheelchair or something tragic or horrific like that. I am such a fitness junkie between hiking, running, yoga, etc that not having legs that I can do athletic things with would be a fate worse than death for me. Glad to know you have thought in similar terms about your legs!