Saturday Long Run

"So I started out for God knows where. I guess I'll know when I get there"- Tom Petty, Learning to Fly.

That seems like a good way to describe a long run, and my running journey in general. I started running last year, my goal being to run 8 miles at the Turkey Trot. My next goal is to run a half marathon, and after that who knows. Today I ran 11 miles. I had an idea of where I was starting, as I usually do for the longer runs, and then I just let my feet take me wherever until I've run half the distance of my goal. Then I turn around and run back. Today I meandered around some back roads, near some farmland, and looped around a couple of local parks.
What do I do for 2 plus hours of running ? I let my mind open up and go where it wants. I focus on letting go of what's holding me back, which usually leads me to spend some time in prayer. I try to concentrate on feeling God's hand on my shoulder and focus on where he's leading me in life. I count my blessings, which these days are many, and practice thankfulness. For the first time in my life I can appreciate my body for what it can do, instead of being focused on it's flaws.
When I feel like I'm dragging I play. I've been known to pump my fist in the air shouting "oi oi oi" as I listen to Dropkick Murphys, or play air fiddle to Eleven Hundred Springs. Do I look like a complete loon ? Of course. But who really cares. It's my run.