Today, May 1, a day for May Day baskets (still waiting for one), the Kentucky Derby and the start of a new month. I am going to use the day as motivation to get back into running.
My second battle with cancer started in September...so after 7 months I need to try to get back to more intense physical activity. I feel good, no pains, I have not gotten sick in 2 months so now is the time. My neuropathy is not that bad. But I am really out of shape. I listened to the doctors when they told me to take time to heal, my body is going thru a lot. I rest when I am tired. And some days my body needs the whole day.
In years past when I would go for a run in my neighborhood, I ran many different routes. Each route had different miles. Some routes are flat, but most, this is Mandan, are full of hills. Along some of the routes are homes with dogs. These dogs have seen me many times and I get greeted by them as I go by. I stop and talk to the dogs, I also greet any dog I meet that is walking their human. One time I had a lady yell at me..."Dolly, Penny is following you". Yup, little terrier dog Penny was trying to keep up. I turned around and went back to her home, telling her my route is too far for her little legs. One evening I was coming down 8th Ave NE, it is a windy road with an area of no houses. A construction worker yelled..."you are being followed"...behind me running along were 4 deer. I stopped and let them pass.
When I go for a run I pray. It is the perfect time to talk to God. I thank him for giving me strength, for giving me legs that can run, lungs that breathe in the fresh air, eyes that see the birds, the trees, flowers and the beauty around me. I thank God for my family, friends, my co-workers, my medical team, my neighbors and my listeners. Today I will add in the patients that come to my clinics. I pray for those who are battling various diseases.
Last night after supper with mom, we went shopping. I found these colorful running shoes. I do not like shopping but I like running shoes. And these are so colorful, it was a sign to get back to running. So today I will get out there. I will mostly walk or jog really slow for a couple weeks, but it is a start.
And I know that those of you who know me are thinking...."those are just right for Dolly".
Take time to get outside and talk to God, he listens.
Your gratitude is inspiring! I need to walk too, but don’t do it.