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 sometimes repeat it quietly to myself before heading out. 

It often works. And the thing is, more times than not, it’s not a lie either.

It truly is lovely. 

When you’re moving through whatever the day is throwing at you—rain, sleet, wind, snow, cold—you’re more alive in that moment. You feel a positive shift you wouldn’t have felt otherwise.

The harshness of the elements wakes us up to the present in a way that’s harder to reach from the comfort of home.

And honestly, what’s being tossed at us in life—what’s happening in the world, and what’s going on internally—could use a little lovely-fying too. 

Even when the rain is dumping and you're letting out a sigh while calling it lovely, it might be just enough to get out the door.

More often than not, a run brings 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.

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

Brett F.