"Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must, just never give up." — Dean Karnazes
Three days after I ran my 17th marathon in Mesa-Phoenix, Arizona in the rain — read the short, inspiring story about not quitting — my legs were ready to do a very short and light run. I decided on just one mile to explore a small part of Ancil Hoffman Park at sunset.
I rarely run just one mile. A short run for me is 3–4 miles, but I was in for a big surprise.
Running a mile, I discovered a bold palette of colors as the sunset sprawled across the windy sky in all its splendor.
Running a mile, I found myself breathing smoothly matching my stride.
Running a mile, I saw a deer graze on the lush grass.
Running a mile, I discovered the blooming daffodils right at the half-point mark of my run, which meant running back to the parking lot but only after I snapped some great pictures and lost myself in the sweet smell of flowers.
Running a mile made me smile, as I realized that while I can run 50 to 60 miles a week, the journey of becoming the runner that I am today began with one mile.
How to start running
Five ways to start running and have fun with it:
- Start small and run for one mile with a few stops for pics and to catch your breath.
2. Choose a pretty and scenic route so that you can fill your lungs with fresh air and your soul with magic and delight. The beauty of your surroundings will distract and motivate you to keep on going.
3. Smile while running and relax your posture.
4. Wear the right shoes for your feet by going to Wild Runners, Fleet Feet, or a running store near you.
5. Don't run too much too soon and take a day off in between as a new runner.
Oh, the things I could see during one mile! I ended my run by the Nisenan Tribe Village hut.
One mile after running 26.2 miles just three days prior felt invigorating and inspired me to keep on running hopefully for an eternity.
Happy feet, everyone! I truly believe that if our entire world population ran, there would be universal peace, joy, prosperity, and well-being.
I really enjoyed reading Annelise Lords lovely poetic story about walking barefoot with Dr. Gabriella Korosi and connecting with the earth and the ground beneath. The words delighted me and the photography that accompanied them was exquisite.
Gabriella & I — Our Journey With Nature | by Annelise Lords | Dancing Elephants Press | Medium
For more poetic musings and short-form philosophy, please check out my new book, Inspirational Signs for More Sunshine in Your Life and Morsels of Love, A Book of Poetry, and Short-Form, published in 2021.
And if you wish to read more poems that I wrote together with 14 other poets from around the world, please purchase our Moments of Eternity anthology put together by Dr. Gabriella Korosi with The Dancing Elephants Press.
I am also honored to be part of The Dancing Elephant Publication and have five of my essays published in Holistic Journey Toward Wellness, as well as our new essay anthology The Joy of Life.
If you like podcasts, please listen to Seeds of Sunshine, a multigenerational podcast that I started together with my daughter.