Just me and my shadow...

When you go to the gym - even if you go alone, you're surrounded by other people (usually). Exercise classes become your second family. Your spotter becomes your best friend in the gym. You even connect with people in your workout DVDs - I connected enough that Jenelle from Turbo Jam and Turbo Fire is my Beachbody coach!

But when you're a runner...especially a distance runner... suddenly your evenings are about speed and turnover workouts and Saturday mornings are longer and longer runs at the break of dawn...and it's just hard to find someone who is going to be by your side. A few weekends ago I was lucky enough to be in North Carolina with my boyfriend but he and I ran at two different paces given I was going at our intended marathon pace and he was preparing for workouts he needed to do at work that week. We'll be running a 10 mile race together in a week that will also be a nice change of pace....but for the most part, distance runners have to get used to being loners.

I can't tell you the number of people I have had say to me that they hate running for that reason - they can't spend that much time alone...they get bored...it's too far to go without having someone to distract them. Trust me, I understand those reasons and it's one of the reasons I almost always run with headphones...

Those long runs in solitude are tough but those are make runners who we are. We develop a strength and confidence in ourselves. Doesn't mean we don't need help - I know I wouldn't have finished either of my marathons so far without the help of friends (even if I did only meet the first one about a mile before my meltdown!) - it just means that we have to develop a confidence that we can do this on our own. This mentality is the trademark of a marathon runner whether they could finish in three hours or in six.

Long runs over time become a source of serenity. They go from being tedious time where nothing can distract you from your own thoughts to uninterrupted sanctuary from the craziness that is every day life. They become therapy.

I encourage you to find time that you spend only with your shadow. It may or may not be long runs. It may just be an 15 minutes in the morning with a cup of coffee as you sit on your porch before the day starts or a little time to wind down as you watch the sunset. It may be time of prayer and reflection or just listening to your own breath. We need these times to reflect and let our minds unwind to stay healthy and truly be well. This time will make you stronger - I promise - as long as you allow it. Make it a goal this week to at least 3 times before next weekend, spend time alone in a quiet way (amazing how even though I live alone, this is so hard even for me to do!). Even as we eat better, sweat more, and get addicted to those actions, our minds are pivotal in ensuring wellness and you deserve all the wellness you can get!