So, I recently made the move to St. Louis. It's been quite an emotional journey, and I am still not entirely sure that I want to stay in the city for very long. Instead of dwelling on that, though, I am finally making the most of my time in a city that is absolutely full of places to run.
The first place I ran was just up and down my (very hilly) neighborhood. We have some beautiful houses, and my parents' little dogs loved the exercise (for the first five minutes, then they were done). It honestly was not very inspiring, and my running, which I had already slowed on, became almost non-existent for a few weeks.
Yes, weeks. Weeks that aided in the emotional hurricane that was my move to StL.
I finally found my step when I started volunteering at Stray Rescue of St. Louis. Not only did it get me out of the house, but I was able to work with dogs in a way that helped them and got me active. Let me tell you, walking dogs that have been cooped up in cages for hours takes both upper- and lower-body strength. It's also awesome. These pooches are so excited to play and make friends that you really can't have a negative thought in your mind.
That evening, even after three-and-a-half hours of walking rambunctious, lead-pulling dogs, I hit Grant's Trail and Clydesdale Park. The run was good for my soul, my mind, and my body. I ran some—more than I expected—I walked some, and I sneaked through the trails of the park, trying my hardest to be silent because I could.
And my mind ran with me, thinking about stories and nature and running and the reasons that I run.
I was good. It was much needed. It was beautiful.
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