Running is My Beige Space

I once read the blog of an accomplished interior designer who stressed the importance of neutral spaces for creative minds. Her observation held that inspiration is most easily sparked in the absence of stimulation, maintaining the belief that artists continually entertain new ideas, but seek a quiet medium for the best idea to flourish. Huh? In my mind, the creative would best appreciate vibrant spaces. However, after thinking about my own life, as a writer, runner, and graduate student, I’m inclined to agree with her!

For example, I sometimes feel overwhelmed by technology. In theory, the advancement of personal computers combined with the power of social media creates abundant resource for creative inspiration and success. Unfortunately, while I appreciate the effortless availability of information, I'm susceptible to “media bloat,” characterized by anxiety, irritability, and headaches. Ha! This is especially true as I explore the realm of blogging (Twitter and Instagram and Pinterest! Oh my!) and physical therapy. Regis requires DPT students to use tablets and smart phones. It’s fantastic, promoting best practice for both students and clinicians, although, it adds yet another dimension to my educational vertigo. :-/

So, what do we do? How do we maintain creativity and calm in the age of high-speed, information overload? Well, in the sage words of Stan Lee, Uncle Ben or FDR (who really knows who said that, right?), “with great power comes great responsibility.” Queue thoughts about running. Although I can’t permanently go offline, I do find moderation in running. Running is my beige space. It’s my calming detox, where I can filter and focus my thoughts. If I need to make a decision, I run; if I need to remember why I am doing what I am doing, I run; if I need to feel confident, I run; and it just keeps getting better. In fact, my writing stems from my running. I like writing about running because most of my thoughts grow while out on the road or trail. Hmm, what does calm look like for you? Care to share your secrets?

P.S. If you haven’t noticed, I decided to get with the program and use hyperlinks! Feel free to browse previous posts and see what I’ve done! ;)

I'm An Athlete

I read the news… on Facebook. Now, wait! If you’re different, don’t judge! It’s an easy way to spice up your newsfeed and read articles catered to your interests! ;) For example, thanks to Facebook, I was recently able to read something on The Atlantic’s page, referencing a previously published New York Times’ piece. There wasn’t anything too spectacular about the article, but it did get me thinking. 


I’m a mom. AND I’m driven. For years I thought the two were incompatible, so I wrestled with each parcel of my being, often feeling deflated and guilty. I still have moments of sensitivity, but I’m so much stronger today than I used to be (Did you hear I’m in grad school for the career of my dreams?!), and running is a huge part of that (Find out how my journey started).

Summer Fun!

I forgot my hood!

My newest babies!

Becoming a runner put me back in touch with an identity I mistakenly thought that motherhood had replaced. As a recreational runner, I am reacquainted with my athletic side, my social side, my playful side, my assertive side, my curious side, and on the list goes. I’m so thankful and proud to have rediscovered this portion of myself because it means I can share it with others--especially my kids. I can’t express how happy it makes me when I see them cheering for me from the sidelines. Or how incredibly good it feels when my kids ask, “Mommy, did you climb that mountain (pointing to Pikes Peak)?” “Well, yes, baby. Yes, I did.”

Of course, as a mom and graduate student, my running "career" looks a little different. I am still trying to figure out what balance looks like for me, and it's an evolving process. You know what, though? Ask any athlete, recreational or professional, and he or she will tell you that the phenomenon I'm describing is the express purpose of athleticism. To be an athlete means to work toward becoming your own best. That is why it doesn't matter if you're running a four minute mile or a fourteen minute mile. It’s about facing and challenging your own limits, not someone else’s limits.

If I can close with a little vulnerability, I’d just like to say that it hurts when people wrongly assume that ambitious women are the demise of families, and the effect on society is equally devastating. We need talented women in every facet of the workforce.  Gender differences aside, maintaining close relationships while doing anything else takes hard, hard work—just like most things of value take work. But if we’re all striving away at our individual hopes and dreams, or maybe we’re just trying to survive, where do we find the energy to tear each other down?

“Be kind; everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.” –Unknown source