One & Done

Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional. ― Haruki Murakami, What I Talk About When I Talk About Running

The holidays are about to start. Ready or not, here the rat race will be in full swing this week. Take a deep breath...you can do this.

The first time I ever ran an actual race was the year I turned 40. The thought of running, without being chased, was an insane idea before that. I had never in my life stepped on a treadmill, thought about the distance my feet could go or time it would take, or even owned a sports bra. However, the challenges that life had been throwing at me as I entered my 5th decade demanded that I try something new. I felt like I was suffocating and a friend handed me the idea.

It was suggested, not just to me, but to all, the idea of tackling the pressure of December with a "one and done" running challenge. Simple. Go outside. Run one mile, every day. No more, no less. Don't skip a single day. It costs nothing and anyone can do it. I know what you're thinking; adding the pressure of this daily torture seems counterproductive to reducing stress during the most stressful time of the year. But, here is the amazing thing about it: it wasn't about running. It was about me, being in control of me, in a simple way.

The reality was that it was really, really hard. I was working, three young children, volunteering, maintaining a home, blah, blah, blah. December 1st rolled around and I woke up 30 minutes earlier than usual. It was cold, it was dark and I had no idea what I was doing. I ran/jogged, bundled up and huffing, sure that I was going to either throw up or pass out. I calculated the 1/4 mile point, the 1/2 mile turn around, the 'oh my God, how much longer' point. And then, I was done. It took me 11 minutes. 11 minutes of my life, that was it. I was sweating and catching my breath, but I was alone, outside, looking up at the stars and feeling my heart, and the cold air, and nothing else. Nothing else. For 11 minutes I had forgotten everything that was not crucial to surviving that run on a cold December morning. It was...freedom.

That feeling stuck with me all day. The next morning, I did it again. And I hated it even worse, because now my muscles hurt. But, I had made a commitment to myself. I COULD DO THIS! Some days that December I did my mile when I came home from work. I didn't even put on running clothes, just my sneakers. Just get the darn mile done!!! One morning I fell on the pavement, bloodied hands and knees, scared that I was alone and hurt and it was an abandoned December street. I got up, checked myself for serious injury and finished my run. And, every day I stopped to catch my breath and look at the early morning stars, or the sweet light just before dawn, or the evening sky.

Each day for 31 days, I gave myself 11, and then 10, and then 8 1/2 minutes to myself, outside. And, I have not stopped running since. Of all the experiences I have had, and all of the skills I have learned, running outside is one of the most profound. It is not about the physical benefits (although they are unmatched) or the helpfulness of a routine. It is about reminding myself of myself and my place in the universe. It costs nothing, but it provides something priceless. Even if it's just for a few minutes, and especially when your schedule is frantic, make sure to remind yourself how simple it can all be, every single day. Life isn't complicated, people are. Just go outside.