{36 reasons} Running Away

Remember my new shoes?
I gave them their first workout.

I love that Tricia wanted my first running experience to be in a beautiful place.

She took me to the OpenLands Lakeshore Preserve, which happens to be a total of 1.2 miles from my house. And I had no idea it was there. It was spectacular.

(In all fairness, this preserve area just opened in the last few years, I think. But still....have I been under a rock!?)

First we walked through a large ravine, and along the lake, until we came to the running trail. Including the walk out there and back, we covered about 3 miles.

A little pre-run photography

We walked some, we ran some.
I am planning to use an app to help me train (run-walk-run) but it was so great to have a friend out there who was patient and kind, who is a serious runner but didn't mind having me huff and puff alongside her.

Starting a new endeavor is hard. My legs hurt and when she talked about running UP the hills...I cringed but also imagined myself, someday, also running up those hills. Maybe it was just a beautiful day, maybe I have some kind of "runner's high"...but I'm already planning my next run. Even if I only go a little ways.

Blessed are You, O God, Ruler of the world, who created my body to move and function, who created beautiful places to see and feel and breathe, and who has brought me to this day.

{36reasons} New Shoes

When we began to discuss this project, one of the suggestions was made that I take up a new sport:

Running.

Now, let's be clear. I don't mind exercise. But I've never been much for running.
(Unless I'm being chased...)

Still, the thought of being able to lace up my shoes and just...go....does have its appeal.

So I agreed that perhaps running could be a part of my 36 reasons to say shehecheyanu.

And like my daughter, I'm always excited for new accessories.

So shoes it is.

Tricia took me to her favorite running store today and we picked out a cute pair.

Okay, in truth, we picked out the right pair. As she explained to me, it's more about form than function.

But with all these beautiful options....can't a girl dream about pretty colors and shiny laces?!

 I wore pretty socks for the occasion.

And here they are!

You'll have to wait for part 2 of this post (in days to come) to see the actual new kicks.
Cuz I'm hitting the road....

Are you a runner? What's your best advice for me....!?

Blessed are You, O God, Ruler of the World, who has granted me the ability to purchase even when I'm not in need, and who has given me friends to encourage my endeavors, and who has brought me to this day.