Could you tell me a time you felt comfort in pain?

The privilege of been able to push your body to a feeling of pain that finds you comfort. 

Moving through the world as an anxious human can be an exhausting pattern of never ending worst case scenarios. A head so full of thoughts it can be hard to find the good in the small. The “what if” and “it might not work out” are a daily reminder that I am limiting myself based only off imaginary pessimistic outcomes. 

I found running at a time of human turmoil in lockdown (like many) and can’t see a future without it. A chance everyday to quiet the anxious thoughts and feel a sense of achievement in pushing myself. Whether it’s a mid week recovery run, a dreaded Tuesday session, a crew run, or smashing a half marathon PB, every run has 1 thing in common; the euphoric endorphins and the rare sense of feeling proud which we too often reserve for others. Running can hurt and it can be tough, with no 2 days the same at times making you feel like you may not be making any progress. I find visualising this toughness can make me more prepared to face it, reminding myself I have overcome it before. And it’s this pain that always leaves me with a sense of achievement for pushing my body.

Often taken for granted, an able body will shy away from pain rather than embrace a threshold which will result in comfort. As a young person seeing a parent suffer a stroke that led to significant physical disability, having an able body is something I try not to take for granted. Although this is not always the case, I endeavour to be present with my body and quiet mind when I run, every step taking me to a better version of myself. 

Running is a way of meeting new like minded people who are collectively willing to sit in a little state if uncomfortable, to feel comfortable in themselves. So here I am, halfway across the world, living in a new country, running and feeling grateful to be able bodied everyday and finding comfort in pain every day.