I am a runner again!

Just in time for National Running Day, I finally feel like a runner again. I ran the longest run of the year today: 3.1 miles in 35:05 (using a three-minute running, one-minute walking interval). It may not have been fast, and it may not have been too pretty, but I fought tiredness, laziness and doubt, and I went out there and did it -- the second run in two days.

They say you never regret a run you did, and today, I agreed with them. I would have regretted not going out for a run on this running holiday, but I sure did not regret getting out there on the pavement.

I should mention I had more than just a holiday to motivate me; I'm running the Boston Athletic Association 10K on the 23rd, just two and a half weeks away! Yes, and I am just now getting up to a three-mile run. I've given up on a PR, and my goal is just to finish strong and enjoy the race. I plan to do two four-mile runs next week and two five-mile runs the week after, of course with one or two easy one or two-mile runs each week in between.

At least I'm starting to feel strong again. I'm glad to be back to running.

Did you have a good National Running Day? Did you run? How do you handle coming back after a long time off from running or working out?

Trust, and you won't be disappointed

So, every day I receive an email in my inbox from "The Universe"; you can substitute whatever you like for "Universe" -- God if you believe in Him, universe if you're more abstract, or even sixth sense if you don't believe in a higher power. I waver between Universe and God, but to me, they both mean the same thing: there is something much larger than me out there, something that cares for me and guides my journey through this crazy life.

Anyway, today's message was:

The more you trust folks, Jennifer, the less they let you down.

Which is not incidentally why I trust you.

Always,

The Universe

(Yes, your name is usually inserted into each message, which only makes it feel more real and true.)

I used to be really good at trusting... until I got burned one time too many. That combined with my need to be in control made me retract my trust in many situations. This message spoke to me today. It reminds me that I need to let go and trust people. I can't assume they are going to disappoint me. In doing that, I also need to let go of my crazy expectations.

This online world of ours is pretty crazy in that way. We let our barrier down; we trust people we have never actually met, and probably never will. Yet, we're oddly comfortable with that. I think it's good practice for real life -- finding that balance between trusting and protecting.

In that vein, I'd like to give a shout-out today to a girl who has earned my trust and become a true blogger friend to me. I have missed a couple of opportunities to meet her in person, but I believe, in the right time and place, we will get around to meeting. Christin, a.k.a. The Southern Wife, is a fellow runner, Christian, dreamer, traveler, PR wonder-woman and wine aficionado. (Wow, never really thought about how much we do have in common!) I read her blog daily, and although I don't comment nearly as much as I should, I keep her in my thoughts. I truly do hope we get to share a glass or two of wine someday while chatting about our lives.

Who has pulled down your barriers and taught you to trust?