I still remember when we were reunited.
I vaguely recall enjoying cross country at school but that was a long time ago now. I have a stronger recollection of how tough it felt to even run 5 minutes on a treadmill let alone 5kms which is my current distance of choice.
It feels good to be in the place I am with you at the moment, running.
After not being able to run for more than a few minutes back in October (I just realized it was almost like I was back at the very beginning of my running journey, but this time it was much harder because I knew where I once was, that I've ran distances up to 58km, so not being able to complete 10k in under and how felt very defeating).
But thankfully it was that knowledge, that this wasn't normal for me, that sent me off to the GP to find out I have an autoimmune disease and my thyroid was all out of wack. Fast forward a few months and I'm back and boy have I missed you, running.
It's different now.
Whilst I still enjoy seeing our time get quicker, it's more as a little treat or reward for consistently showing up every Saturday even when we're tired or cold.
What's been really great at this stage on my running journey is sharing it with my 3 year old daughter and my teenage niece. We make a good little crew, encouraging each other when the others might feel low. There's always high fives and hugs at the end. Every single time, no matter if we squeeze the chicken to indicate a PB at parkrun.
So running I guess I just want to say thank you, from the absolute confidence you gave me back in 2014 when I ran my first marathon, in 2015 when I ran such a fast 10k that I felt invincible (faster than a lot of boys - yeah the girls!) and in all the years since when I discovered my love for trail running and exploring nature, combining 2 loves, bringing me so much joy and peace and general well-being and now the joy sharing it with my baby girl and seeing her get out of the pram and run, even amongst all the 'giants' around her, she is so confident and determined, it's hard to put in words but boy am I proud and pleased for her.
I've seen what you have done for me running, what you do for my niece, my daughter, my mum, my friends, strangers (or better put 'running friends' because that's how it feels when you're out running with a group. I hope we stay friends forever running, in whatever way we can. You are uplifting and you help me grow and process and be.
I love you, running! See you soon x
Melissa