iRun

In mid-April 2009, I was getting ready to travel to Boston to run my first Boston Marathon.  I was 19 and a sophomore in college at Xavier University. My best friend and dorm-mate Kristen is quite the artist and she drew this cool running man cartoon with the line “iRun” written under it like iPod would be written under the apple.  I held onto that drawing for years until it got destroyed with multiple moves.  Every time I looked at it I would think about what “iRun” means to mean.  Its like a statement, an exclamation, and an open-ended invitation for explanation. Its who I am and what I do. One day, about five years ago, I just sat down and wrote somewhat of a poem titled “I Run”.  I want to share it with you guys because I think it will resonate, maybe not all of the lines but at least a few. Especially for anyone who has ever ran as an emotional release.  It it raw and honest so please do not judge, and don’t worry about me either.  Much of this still applies, but running has evolved for me as so many of our interests and passions do.  So…Enjoy.

I Run….

To feel the release of pent up pain
To push beyond basic ability
To know the earth beneath my feet
To listen to a music playlist called ‘Adrenaline’
To sweat until I’m dripping wet
To have peaceful thoughts while my body is suppressing chaotic stress
To know the distinct separation of body and mind, and bring them back together
To breathe deep while moving fast
To reach goals all for MYSELF
To be able to accomplish something great
To run from static memories
To stop my body from limiting my soul
To know the heat, cold, rain, and wind
To feel the sun’s warmth and dark’s chill
To channel every negative emotion into motivation
To eat the extra calories
To be proud when I look in the mirror naked
To maintain the machine
To take pictures
To make memories
To make friends
To make my family proud
To visit new and interesting places
To explore my surroundings
To push my peers to their best
To make it a family affair
To live life to the fullest

For the love of the suck
For the air in my lungs
For the kick at the end of a race
For the runner’s high
For the dry heave
For the inability to stand without wincing but smile at the experience
For the visits to the chiropractor and physical therapist
For the chance to do something great
For the beautiful oneness with him

I run because all of this is my refuge, comfort, happiness, pain, resilience, and Love.