Choosing Growth Over Comfort
Running in January
I make it a point to lace up my shoes and run, especially this time of year.
It was another sleep-interrupted night, which seems to be the norm lately. When I finally awoke this morning, my wife Rhonda greeted me with a hot cup of coffee. Mother Nature was providing us with the first modest snowfall of the new year. The coffee brings me back to life following nights like this, while the snow falling is soothing to the eyes and revives my spirit. Our home faces northwest, and the oversize windows provide a great view to accompany our morning coffee and conversations. We have a first cup rule, “no talking.” That first cup, combined with the silence, gives us time to wake up and think. Think about yesterday, today, and tomorrow. How full they were, and how full they will continue to be. Because even in retirement, we are busy people. I suppose most people are.
January can be a tough month in Kentucky if you let it. It may be the weather change that dampens our outdoor socializing or the end of the holiday season? I never actually put my finger on why it feels this way. It just seems to be a little tougher time of the year. To many people, winters usually are. I make it a point to lace up my shoes and run, especially in times like these.
Our garage door is like a portal from what is comfortable directly to Mother Nature.
I usually stand ten to twelve feet back from the door opening when I press the lift button. I visually follow the bottom edge of the door as it rises to its full height. Immediately, I see my neighbors' homes. But it is not what I see that I am fixated on; it’s what I feel. I feel a vacuum of crisp nineteen-degree air rush in to greet me. It is powerful in many ways. I will explain as I step forward and begin my run; you are welcome to join me.
It all started with my physical therapy back in November of 2021. I had requested this through my doctor to address some minor issues. Not many people volunteer for PT, but I am big on maintenance and a very optimistic person with long-range plans and goals. After my first PT session, I got sick with a sinus infection. This was rare since I had not been sick in many years. Then my wife started having some issues. Next was my son, who also lives with us. Some of our other family members became sick as well. After careful consideration, we decided to reschedule our Christmas day plans. Part of this was Covid related, but most of it was not. We were very disappointed.
By the end of December, we had spent way too much time in emergency rooms, hospitals, and doctors’ offices. I usually spend the last week of December closing out logs, reviewing the year’s accomplishments, failures, and planning for the New Year. This year was slightly different. My year-end review was compromised, and plans for 2022 were in a constant state of change. We had to make the best of the holidays that we got to experience, then step forward. Let’s continue this run.
As we round the corner, there is a long straightaway with frigid winds out of the north.
The frigid winds out of the north can take away your breath, especially in January. My thoughts immediately moved away from what happened in December to the here and now. And the here and now has my full attention. There is a small hill right before this straightaway. It takes more effort, more oxygen, and always amplifies the effects of turning teeth first into the wind. Early into any run has an adjustment period. However, when the conditions are harsh, acclimating to them takes longer. With slippery footing, compromised vision, and the wind taking the breath right out of you, I wonder if this is even worth it? That thought evaporated faster than it came.
Then a change slowly begins to take place. Your breathing starts to settle down, your heart rate is on the decline, and you sense a rhythm developing. You begin to realize that you can push through the discomfort with effort, persistence, and drive. You start to gain some control. Pull your hat down tighter; we have to keep moving forward.
There is nothing like a 122-Year-old farmhouse to put things in perspective.
This is one of my favorite parts of the course. When I see the old Chase residence, it makes me think. I think of the people that lived here long ago. I contemplate the challenges, disappointments, and heartaches that they lived through. The key phrase here is, “they lived through.” Sometimes, when we become too self-centered, we only think of our own lives and problems. The truth is that every person of each generation has had their cross to bear in one way or another. This has been true for centuries, and it always will be true. The sooner we come to terms with this fact, the better we understand that we are not the first ones laden with burdens. It is incumbent on us to rise up and lite a fire deep within ourselves. It serves as the armor that protects us through our most challenging times. Only then will we gain the vision and momentum needed. A vision that allows us to see our way through the hardships we face and the momentum to get us there. Using our strength not just to survive but thrive. Let’s keep running; there is more ground to cover.
Our Presence here is short, just like footprints in the snow.
By this point in the run, our awareness gets very keen. We start to appreciate the total silence that the snow brings. Our feet touch down so softly that we hear our heart pounding, we feel the blood rushing through our veins, we can see our breath as our lungs rapidly exchange fresh air. This is what it means to be alive, aware, and understand how precious life can be. I choose to believe that everyone has their unique method to rise up and lite that fire deep within themselves. The fire that serves as their armor helps them find their strength, hope, and drive. Not merely to survive, but to thrive. This is our first snow in 2022, and there will be more. Make it a point to find your armor, and get it on!
-End of run
** Forever the Student **
Mark Krauss 2022
