Smith Family Ice Cream Scoop: Running Fears

Monday, August 27, 2007

Running Fears

Today when I was running my 5.7 miles, with my calves killing me, and eventually my shins deciding to join my calves... (Mr. Blue Eyes said it must've been my new shorts that caused this...) I had to do something to distract myself. So, I made a mental list of the things that I fear most when I go out running. Here they are, for your reading enjoyment. Go ahead and laugh at me. I know you will.

#1 I'm going to poop my pants. Yes, this is fear #1...or should I say, number 2... Sometimes when I'm running, it gets things, well, moving. And I'll be running for miles, looking longingly at every bush and tree I pass, wondering if I dare use it. I asked someone I barely know if I could use their bathroom once. This was completely mortifying. She had to make her husband hurry out of the shower so I could use their bathroom. I was like, "No, it's fine! I'll just leave! Don't make him get out!" And she insisted. I thought I was going to die of absolute embarrassment. That is why I don't make pit stops at people's houses. And, to justify why this is my #1 fear, I will admit...it happened once. I didn't make it home. 'Nuff said.

#2 I'll get bit by a dog. This too, has happened to me. That's what makes it my second greatest fear. I was just running along, minding my own business, and this boxer comes up behind me and bites my butt. It wasn't a mean bite...it didn't break skin or anything, but it scared me to death! There are tons of dogs around here, and I've had plenty of run-ins with them. Sometime I'll dedicate a post completely to dog stories, so you can laugh at how silly I am. Whenever I get near a house with a loose dog (I know most of them by now), I pick up a couple of rocks, make myself look real big, and yell at the dog. I don't know if this is confronting my fear or not...

#3 Some weirdo is going to grab me. Thankfully, this has NOT happened to me. If it had, it would be fear #1, and I would probably be running on a treadmill. I imagine the scenario out in my mind, though, so if it ever happens, I'll be ready. First, I'll use one of the moves I learned in Karate. I will skillfully twist out of his grip, kick him in the jimmy, and use my extensive running skills to get the heck out of there. In reality, I'm kidding myself. I'm 5'2", 115 pounds...and I'm helpless if Mr. Blue Eyes even tickles me. If you are a weirdo, and you are reading this...just know that I have bodyguards hidden behind every bush, and it would be very very stupid of you to try to touch me.

#4 I'm going to get run over by a car. I always let cars have a lot of room. I run in the weeds in the ditch when a car is coming toward me. I know in this world of cell phones, ipods, gps systems, etc., people can be distracted, and I don't want to die running. Well, maybe when I'm 99, I could die running, but not now.

#5 I'm going to fall and break something and I won't be able to get home. Okay, I'm stretching now. But I had a long time to think while I was running, so I had to make up fears.

Now I've totally told all of you things that I wouldn't normally tell, all in the name of sharing my running experiences. Please tell me you've had the same things happen to you too....I can't be the only one!

5 comments:

Nicole said...: You're too funny! I totally have similar fears.
I am very afraid of public pooping. Luckily the "need" has not happened yet.

And the car thing plagues me daily. Once a fast driver trying to stop at a stop sign nearly hit me while crossing. I was able to move so I wasn't hurt, but I was thrown off balance and fell on the hood as it stopped.

Anyway, thanks for listening and posting on my blog. :); 10:57 AM
Amy said...: Yeah, I'm scared of all of the same things. I plan to run near bathrooms and carry mace, so that helps.; 1:49 PM
Brenda said...: I don't think the fear of dying while you're running is too far off. I would be careful, if I were you. Possibly quit running altogether.; 8:29 PM
L*I*S*A said...: I think we all have those fears, believe it or not. I'm always wondering what would happen if I fell down and couldn't get up...that's why I always carry my cell phone with me, just in case.; 6:49 AM
Alison said...: Wow, I did not know #1 could happen but since have read many horror stories. As of right now we are training on High School track...when school starts we will be on road-Hope none of your fears become mine!!; 11:43 AM

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To Do Today

* Embrace this day with an enthusiastic welcome, no matter how it looks. The covenant with God to which you are true enables you to become enlightened by him, and nothing is impossible for you.
* When you are physically sick, tired, or in despair, steer your thoughts away from yourself and direct them, in gratitude and love, toward God.
* In your life there have to be challenges. They will either bring you closer to God and therefore make you stronger, or they can destroy you. But you make the decision of which road you take.
* First and foremost, you are a spirit child of God. If you neglect to feed your spirit, you will reap unhappiness. Don't permit anything to detract you from this awareness.
* You cannot communicate with God unless you have first sacrificed your self-oriented natural man and have brought yourself into the lower levels of meekness, to become acceptable for the Light of Christ.
* Put all frustrations, hurt feelings, and grumblings into the perspective of your eternal hope. Light will flow into your soul.
* Pause to ponder the suffering Christ felt in the Garden of Gethsemane. In the awareness of the depth of gratitude for him, you appreciate every opportunity to show your love for him by diligently serving in his Church.
* God knows that you are not perfect. As you suffer about your imperfections, he will give you comfort and suggestions of where to improve.
* God knows better than you what you need. He always attempts to speak to you. Listen, and follow the uncomfortable suggestions that he makes to us--everything will fall into its place.
* Avoid any fear like your worst enemy, but magnify your fear about the consequences of sin.
* When you cannot love someone, look into that person's eyes long enough to find the hidden rudiments of the child of God in him.
* Never judge anyone. When you accept this, you will be freed. In the case of your own children or subordinates, where you have the responsibility to judge, help them to become their own judges.
* If someone hurts you so much that your feelings seem to choke you, forgive and you will be free again.
* Avoid at all cost any pessimistic, negative, or criticizing thoughts. If you cannot cut them out, they will do you harm. On the road toward salvation, let questions arise but never doubts. If something is wrong, God will give you clarity but never doubts.
* Avoid rush and haste and uncontrolled words. Divine light develops in places of peace and quiet. Be aware of that as you enter places of worship.
* Be not so much concerned about what you do, but do what you do with all your heart, might, and strength. In thoroughness is satisfaction.
* You want to be good and to do good. That is commendable. But the greatest achievement that can be reached in our lives is to be under the complete influence of the Holy Ghost. Then he will teach us what is really good and necessary to do.
* The pain of sacrifice lasts only one moment. It is the fear of the pain of sacrifice that makes you hesitate to do it.
* Be grateful for every opportunity to serve. It helps you more than those you serve.
* And finally, when you are compelled to give up something or when things that are dear to you are withdrawn from you, know that this is your lesson to be learned right now. But know also that, as you are learning this lesson, God wants to give you something better.

from "Unleashing the Dormant Spirit by F. Enzio Busche