A deeply personal letter to running

I am darkness.
I am light.
I've always been a runner, in sports and life.

I run from conflict, bad relationships, arguments and uncomfortable conversations.
Physical pain is always less hurtful than emotional ache.
Running is my meditation, centre and grounding mechanism.
Running takes the gloom away.
Joy blooms when running away.

If my hippie heart had taught me something is to not engage in fights and wars.
Reacting in the heat of the moment always ends up in harm.
So then I run.
Sore legs heal quicker than a sad soul.

I run to give my emotions room to breathe.
I clear my head and give myself space to think.
I fight my demons on the road.
Then I come back and give my best self to the world.

Every tour down memory lane always leads to the same end.
The happiest moments in my life coincide with my most active moments outside.
Likewise, my darkest days are paired with stillness and despair, and I don't enjoy feeling that way.

When dark clouds take over and swallow me into even darker caves.
Then I know I HAVE to run away from hopelessness.
Run through forests, roads and stones.
Run past the anger, and run past the fear.
Running reminds me that love is the only voice we should hear.
I feel every heartbeat and taste the air.
I am one with all living beings out there.
My senses sharpened. I hear. I see.
My brainwaves flow. I think. I feel.
There is no more darkness covering up the blue skies.
Running also makes me feel creative and inspired.

I run when I'm happy.
I run when I'm sad.
I run when I'm looking for answers.
I run to feel alive.

Even though I'm not the fastest or the best.
I am one, and I am all.
I am myself and the people I meet on the road.
I am a RUNNER, heart and soul.