Starting Over

 "Running" ink on paper, from my sketchbook, copyright Erin Rogers Pickering

"I ran regularly for over 15 yrs. I usually ended a run by icing my knees, and often taking a nap. One 6k race I collapsed at the finish line. People asked why I ran. My answer was always the same… "because I can".

I couldn't describe the high... The release, the freedom, the joy, the order it created in my thoughts, finding resolutions, or making peace with what couldn't change. Being grounded, alive, refreshed. It was my moving meditation even as it became more and more difficult to do.

Until Sunday it had been over 4 years since I went for a run. Broken ankle, torn calf, surgery, back problems, sciatica, foot pain, joint pain, bone pain and constant fatigue made it seem like running would forever be the thing I 'used to do'. I didn't realize until recently how much gluten consumption was destroying my ability to run.

Until Sunday. We went as a family to the cross-country path at the high school.  And I ran. It never felt so good. I didn't go very far but I learned a long time ago that the tortoise always gets to the finish line. It is the beginning again.  And I am still on a high from that run."


I wrote this post 2 years ago.  At the time I thought I was back running regularly... but I still had much strength and health to gain.  This morning I started - again.  And, just days away from my 3 year gluten-free anniversary I still continue to improve.  I can't believe how much better I feel each day... and how much my joints have improved.  So though it was rainy, windy and cold I was out there hitting the pavement - and loving it.  
It is never too late to start - again!!

I run because I am healthy
I run because I am gluten free.
I run because I can!