Sunday, April 24, 2011

Getting Down and Dirty for Charity!!!

As I write the most recent blog entry for my 10k Mud Run I write it on Easter Sunday and after of course, my most recent workout. I was debating on if I should go for a run today or not, but I had so much on my mind and had such a bad nights worth of sleep I felt I needed to go for a run. Sometimes a long run helps to clear my mind, in fact sports and athletics has always been my escape.

When I play soccer, softball, volleyball or just go running and biking I tend to let my mind escape and for that time I am free from all the doubt, worry and stress in my life.

Easter is a time of second chances. Jesus has risen from the dead to forgive our sins and on this day I am reminded that no matter how bad I have it, how bad life gets me down and how bad I might screw up, I have always been given a second chance. In some cases third, fourth and fifth chances!! I thank God every day for the life I have and that he has blessed me with my health, a job, a place to live, food to eat and a car to drive. I have a loving family, two great nephews and a somewhat sane horse!!

Today I ran for five miles and as I ran I tried to think of all the good things I have in my life but I still couldn't help but to think of all the bad things that have happened to me. No matter what happened to me though, someone was always there to pick me up, lend a shoulder or a helping hand. It wasn't always the same people, and sometimes it was someone I least expected.

The conclusion I came to at the end of my run was that I have been blessed in this life. This is why I should run, this is why I should play soccer, this why I should play sports and stay active...not because I am trying to escape my problems. I do all of this because I can, because I have been given the gift of health and fitness. Many people out there can't do what I can do, some just chose not too.

This Lent and Easter season I tried to take a good long hard look at what I am doing with my life. My focus and attention has not always been where it should be. Some people are running in this 10k Mud Run for various reasons. It could be for fun, it could be for personal athletic goals, it could be because they know someone affected my MS.

I'm running to change my outlook, to change my focus on life because I am tired of using my athleticism as an escape from my problems. I want to use it because I can and I have been blessed. Thank you everyone who has ever been a part of my life. Happy Easter!!!

To help me out out and donate to MS Society please visit http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/nickbarrale