Emotional runs

"I cried twice out there. It was beautiful. The people all along the way, standing there, cheering, yelling to you. I couldn't help myself. I cried twice." -Walt Ganty, running at Boston

Runners often have emotional reactions when they participate in a race. Spectators, too. They break down at the finish, just completely exhausted, happy and yes even tears.

It's a tremendous release, relief. People are often understandably and justifiably overwhelmed by what they've accomplished. They've worked so hard, for so long, to achieve this one goal and now they have done it. They can finally let go.

Sometimes the tears aren't directly related to running, but rather to an unresolved issue in that runner's life. Perhaps a runner is in morning over a loss of a loved one. The runner expends so much energy in the race, the barriers come down. This allows the runner to release emotions and possibly even to let the healing process to begin.

There are lots of ways in which people find emotional release in their lives. Through church, through therapy. Others find the release they so need by a simple easy run through the woods at sunrise.

Whatever it is your handing on to, whatever weighs you down emotionally, whatever touches your heart with sadness running can help you with it. Run and just let go.

Running allows me to release my sadness and anger. It is the one place I can be mad at the world, I can cuss, I can scream and I can cry. There is no one out there to judge me. No one to tell me I am acting like a fool. If my emotions are on high or if I am confused with life, I just have to lace up my shoes and head out the door. I am always feel better and am less confused when I return. I am able to let go, really let go.

So if you are struggling with life or if you need sometime to just be alone, give running a try. If you are like me you will realize this is the one place where all emotions are okay. Let go! Be you!