Thirty six years ago I started running reluctantly…

It was Easter Sunday and we were to meet some friends for brunch. As I stepped into the shower, my first husband, Doug, informed me he was going for a run, he ran nearly everyday. My initial response was ‘why now, we’ll be late,’ but he assured me he’d ‘cut it short’ so we wouldn’t be. Then he said ‘why don’t you join me?’ I laughed and slid into the shower.

The next day he asked me again, but I replied ‘I’m fine, don’t think I need to run,’ and at 21 years – and in the Navy – I looked good, felt great, so why run, right? But curiosity got the best of me, so digging in my closet I found my ‘tennis shoes,’ slipped on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt and followed him out the door. After a quick stretch I said to myself ‘piece of cake, around the block several times for a warm up – then maybe down Poway Drive for a couple of miles.’ So’ I’m off’down the street, around the corner and up the HILL’where did that hill come from? Half way up the block I thought I was going to die. Where’s my rhythmic breathing? Why am I gasping for air? Come on, I’m at sea level! I walked the rest of the way home. How could I be so out of shape? I’m telling you, that scared me.

The next day I bought my first pair of running shoes, which, in the early 70’s weren’t much more than my ‘tennis shoes.’ After that first episode I decided to start with just a few laps around the block, running and walking. I wasn’t kidding myself; I knew it would take time to be able to run a mile full out. Slowly one mile led to two, three and up to five. I ran at 4:30 a.m. as I needed to be at work at 7:00 a.m. (yes there is a 4:30 a.m. when you’re young). My route was through residential areas and I looped the local hospital several times because I loved being there without traffic.

When I was 30 I moved to Benbow, CA, (aka: Garberville) where my running increased. I loved running along the ‘old’ Redwood Highway past all the beautiful redwoods. I couldn’t get enough of moving along beside those ancient trees and the Eel River and soon I was averaging eight miles a day. My running partner was my dog and best friend, Huston, a wolf and retriever mix who loved water. After our run we would frolic in the river when the weather and water was warm. In the winter we’d walk the shore and look for salmon and steelhead swimming up river to spawn.

Fast forward ten years, I’m now in Port Townsend, Washington. I was living on a boat and running five miles daily to a wonderful waterfall. The base of the falls was my turnaround point and then a short hike to the top of the falls was where I meditated for a few moments – enjoying the beauty, serenity and earthy-mossy smells. It was my haven from the ‘fishbowl’ in which I lived. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVED living on the boat and at times wish I still did, but, it’s like living in a fishbowl. You’re very visible.

Fast forward again, I’m now 57, living in a meadow surrounded by forest, just a few miles north of that waterfall and boat.

I feel fortunate that I can step outside my front door and run through the woods or in one of the state parks that are within a couple of miles. I’m not running as far now, maybe three or four miles, but I’m grateful I can still run. It’s my meditation, my think-tank, clearing my mind of superfluous thoughts allowing me to reflect on what’s important in life. Any annoying issues almost magically become resolved. I feel grounded, uplift and joyful. I know scientifically it’s my endorphins at work. And although running is a personal and self-seeking activity the rewards are two-fold. After taking this special time for myself I find I’m more serene and compassionate towards others, seems to be a win-win situation.

At 57 years old and having put one foot in-front of the other for 36 years, I know I’m truly blessed!

Thanks for reading.
Nancy Cherry Eifert