My escape from reality has been my runs lately. Although, I guess I’m not really escaping reality when I spend most of that time thinking about what is going on in our lives right now. However, it is a time that calms me down and brings me a little peace. I talk with God about what is going on and share with Him fears, doubts and joy. It’s a weird time in our lives right now. I am experiencing something I never have before. It’s something I don’t know how to deal with on my own and am thankful that I choose to have God alongside me.
Now on my run today I packed up the stroller, dog and kiddo and headed down to the river. It’s such a gorgeous fall day here in The Dalles. The river was calm and it was a good mini getaway from the house. I’ve been doing the majority of my runs on the hills this week and wanted a little break to just bust out a flat run. With everything out of the car, we hit the trail and began our run. It’s been warm the last few days and I’ve been regretting packing up all my running shorts. I wish I would have kept a pair out and today was no exception. It was beautiful and warm. The leaves are still mostly on the trees yet they have all turned colors. Fall sure last a lot longer in this country than back in Montana. Technically, this is the second fall that we’ve been able to enjoy. I’m happy with that extension as spring and fall are my favorite seasons.
Less than a half of a mile down the path and I hear this noise. One of the tires is flat on the stroller. Ok. No big deal. The cup holder Brent bought came with a little hand pump. I stopped and filled the tire back up. Great! Good to go, so I thought. Off I went. Not even a tenth of a mile down the path and I heard it again! No! This is my getaway! The one thing that I can count on daily right now. The one thing that guarantees that I get out of the house and have something to do. Here I am not even close to half way through my run with a flat. Ok. I was a little frustrated because of the things above. I love running and it’s the thing I know and can hold onto right now. I started walking and my frustrations subsided and I enjoyed the short walk back to the car. Good thing it’s my favorite season and there was an amazing view on my walk back. Turns out that maybe I needed this to be able to take in the beauty of the day that surrounded me. Enjoying the outdoors and taking in all that God has to show us sometimes needs to be done in a different light. Running always shows me something different than walking or hiking. Maybe a walk was what I needed today?
I am bummed that I didn’t get my run in today. Oh well, that’s life I guess. Maybe Brent will go with me tomorrow and we can have a grandparent watch the kid?!?! Dreams…