Running From Myself

Greetings, fellow escape artists! I’m Jen, and if you’ve stumbled upon “Running from Everything,” chances are you’re familiar with the exquisite art of avoiding life’s little curveballs… or, in my case, those monstrous, anxiety-inducing boulders. I’m not winning any races, or even pretending to. If anything, I’m probably a gold medalist in strategic walking breaks and existential pondering mid-mile. My marathon times? Let’s just say they’re long enough to allow for a detailed study of local flora and fauna.

Back in 2010, I started this blog not as a testament to athletic prowess, but as a chronicle of something far more relatable: the glorious, messy, often hilarious reality of a less-than-elite runner navigating life’s chaos. You see, while the athletic elite are floating, I’m just trying to outrun my own head.

As you might gather, running isn’t just about the miles; it’s about the mental landscape they traverse. It’s about those moments when you realize you’re not just propelling your body forward, but desperately trying to leave something unwanted behind – a bad day, a looming deadline, a particularly persistent self-doubt (that’s usually the thing I’m trying to ditch). As my blog entries will attest, it is always about the mental game as much as the physical pain.

I’m the sloth on a leisurely stroll through the marathon of life, the one who might be distracted by a fascinating cloud or a philosophical debate with myself on the merits of salted caramel vs. chocolate-flavored energy gels. I’m also the one running to release some demons that I can’t quite see face to face.

This blog is a safe haven for those who understand that a “personal best” can mean simply finishing, even if the race officials are dismantling the finish line as you cross. It’s a place to celebrate the scenery and embrace the “hitting the wall” as a prime opportunity for contemplation and maybe a well-deserved snack.

So, if you, like me, find yourself drawn to the rhythmic thump of sneakers on pavement as a means of temporary escape, lace ’em up and join the club. We’re not aiming for record times; we’re aiming for a little peace of mind, a little clarity, and maybe a few less things to run from tomorrow. Because, let’s face it, we’re not just running; we’re “Running from Everything,” and that includes ourselves.