Running through Rough Edges

When it’s pouring rain, freezing cold, dark, and gray, I remember what a running buddy used to say—half sarcastically, half serious. 

Lovely day for a run.

Life has a way of being what it is — rough edges and all. There are problems out there in the world, shitty days, bad attitudes, and plenty of moments that don’t package up nice and pretty.

But, I’ve been trying something anyway.

Lately, I’ve been exploring small ways to get myself rolling on tougher days. A simple mantra like the one my friend used — or even a moment of gratitude — can be enough to tip me forward.

I try to repeat it quietly to myself in moments of indecision. 

Sometimes it works. But what’s interesting is that it's often not a lie.

It truly is lovely.

There are runs where you quickly discover it looked much worse from the window than it actually is. 

Others, where the elements you’re moving through—rain, sleet, wind, snow, cold—wake you up and you feel more alive.

And to be honest, there are days that just totally suck in the dumping rain. That joyous feeling doesn’t show and I’m left muttering, “lovely day” under my breath as I run back home soaked and cold.

And yet, a run tends to bring us back better than when we started—no matter what it’s doing outside, what anxieties are floating around in our minds, or what’s unfolding in this wild world.

We’re glad we made it out.

And in that way, it’s always a lovely day for a run.

Brett F.