Embracing Gratitude for Being Able to Run My Longest Distance (14 Miles)
A Gratitude Journal Entry
Dear Duniyawaalo (People of the World),
Today on this wonderful afternoon as I came back from my run, I am grateful that I was able to run my longest distance today of 14 Miles, after running three half-marathons in a span of 5 months. If I am being honest this was the best that I’ve ever felt, during and after my run today.
Never in my wildest dreams would I have ever imagined that I would be able to run 1 mile, leave alone running 14 miles that I did today. I feel really proud of myself for how far I have come.
It all started 5 years ago when I was 311 pounds, in depths of depression, and was taking 5 medications just to get through the day. There came an inflection point in my life where I said to myself, NO MORE. I cannot live like this and that I need to thrive and not just survive.
Running has transformed my life.
I still remember my humble beginning on the day when I started with 100 steps run and 200 steps walk and I was barely able to run a mile. It was a long and tough journey with many ups and downs, but I am grateful to my body and my mind for supporting me. As a result I lost 70 pounds in 3 years and never felt better.
It gave me the motivation to keep going and to be the change by inspiring others through my actions, to start their own journey.
I am grateful to my friends and loved ones who have supported and encouraged me to keep going. I am also eternally grateful to all members of HIP Athletic Association. Without their regular Saturday morning runs for the last 5 years, there is no way I would have been able to accomplish what I did today.
I am training to run my first ever marathon at the 2023 Chicago Marathon. I am also grateful to the Fast Track Racing Team for organizing running drills on Wednesday evening at Harper college track in Schaumburg. I was missing this level of structure in my marathon training and I am grateful that I get to practice and run with them.
I am really looking forward to crossing the finish line at the 2023 Chicago Marathon.
❤️ Rajneesh