Clear Skies, Clear Head

Posted byFractured Faith BlogPosted inA Fractured FaithTags:, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

I’m not a fan of early runs but, such is my schedule at the minute, it’s realistically the only opportunity I have to do so at present. Even then, I’ve been a bit hit and miss at getting out on the roads first thing. Today, however, I was awake before my alarm went off and able to crawl out of bed and into my running gear. It was a chilly but dry morning and the sky was a blanket of stars to complement my chilly breath.

3.5 miles later and my head matched the sky with regards its clarity. The tiredness was gone and I felt fresh and alert, prepared for another day. The benefits of a morning run always outweigh the negatives. It’s just a matter of taking that first step and overcoming the persuasive voice in your head telling you to stay beneath the duvet in your comfort (able) zone. When the run is over and the dust has settled that voice is vanquished.

I doubt I will ever reach the running times and distances I acquired when training for marathons. That was a different kind of running. Others placed me under pressure to go faster and longer and I fell for it. Looking back it took the pleasure out of running. Any enjoyment of a personal best was short-lived as I looked towards the next race. I wasn’t happy and it was all about looking good on the outside and stroking my inflated ego.

These days I’m seeking to look after my inner self. I’m slower and a few pounds heavier but my mental health is precious and I’m prepared to fight for it. Running is a key component in ensuring I remain stable and strong. So, I might not look a pretty sight puffing round my village at the crack of dawn but I don’t really care. I’m no longer out to impress others. I’m doing it for myself and my family. Tomorrow I will run.

Published by Fractured Faith Blog

We are Stephen and Fionnuala and this is our story. We live in Northern Ireland, have been married for 17 years and have three kids - Adam, Hannah and Rebecca. We hope that our story will inspire and encourage others. We have walked a rocky road yet here we are today, together and stronger than ever. We are far from perfect and our faith has been battered and bruised. But an untested faith is a pointless faith. Just as a fractured faith is better than none at all. We hope you enjoy the blog.

35 thoughts on “Clear Skies, Clear Head”

  2. Yes, being able to run is a precious commodity which we should all enjoy without any pressures to go faster. And, I agree, getting ready and taking that first step is the hardest part. Well done for keeping it up whilst you have all those other things to manage and care for.

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  5. Best way to start the day! If everything else in my day goes from bad to worse, I can at least revel in the joy of those few moments of clear headedness I had on my predawn run. Although I admit the cold waiting for me outside has made me linger in the cozy comfort of my warm bed just a wee bit longer! Happy running and run happily!!

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  6. As always, I appreciate your insights and wisdom. For me, running is just a memory of happy times filled with clear thinking. If i were to ask for a miracle, it would be for legs and knees that function properly and a good pair of running shoes. Thanks, Stephen.

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  7. Love this! And needed this reminder today. I am slowly getting back out there. Not fast, mostly walking. But breathing in and breathing out. One. Step. At. A. Time. And renewed because of it.

    Be well! Thank you for your words.

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  14. I find the benefits of an early morning run to be well worth the effort. Taking the pressure of performing out of running makes the activity much more enjoyable.

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  16. It’s that cheesy line a bit isn’t it; “what’s your ‘why’?”

    Regarding exercise it will be different for each of us, and different depending on what season of our lives we are in.

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