My Running Outlook

I used to run in the Marine Corps to stay in shape. When I got out I stopped running for a while because I felt like I was forced to do it for so long. Recently I started running again but for a different reason. It is my stress relief. Since then I have run a number of races and it was fun trying to get in the top three times, but mostly when running now it has been more about the feeling afterwards. The feeling of accomplishment. Most of my runs are not really planed, in fact the ones that are never really seem to work out as well as the ones with no particular distance or time frame in mind, just run. The idea of being able to decide how long or how fast I move along is all mine. The feeling of being in control of this one little thing brings such a sense of power (?) no, relief to me in a world where many things in my life feel like they are out of my control. When I am unable to run, mostly do to my schedule, I get upset and the frustration builds until I am able to release it by once again hitting the trails or the roads or both. As the scenery changes and the miles go by thoughts and worries wash away. It is quite a different feeling from my marine days. I had tried martial arts and hitting punching bags and working out in gyms but they always just left me tired and did little to erase any stress I had. I think it had a lot to do with the fact that during those time I would still be focusing on my problems during the workouts. Leaving me just as upset as when I had started. I guess you could say I run away from my problems but I look at it as taking a break and clearing the mind. This for me is the best part because I feel like it is helping me in my relationship with my wife and family. It's my chance to calm down and regain my focus on life, as best as a scatter brain like me can. When I'm done, facing whatever problem I have doesn't seem so tough anymore.
I enjoy running with a group called the Saturday Morning Runners here in St Joe because of the people. Nobody cares how fast you are, what distance you can run, only the fact that you are getting out and doing just what they enjoy doing too. The SMR group is quite a diverse group of people from all walks of life. The most enjoyable thing about them is they motivate each other and build each other up, with some playing around just like siblings, but in the end we all have a good time sharing the same common bond between us. Running makes us feel good.