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Runner Spotlight - Christina Brown Wells

January 5, 2022 Camille Estes

Wise words from Smileyruns

Something a little different from the usual Runner Spotlight. This week we’re sharing a blog post from Christina Brown Wells. Kentucky girl through and through, we’re both Hilltoppers (though not at the same time), Triple Crown Champion, KDF miniMarathon and Marathon Champion, Olympic Trials qualifier, she ran for our Fleet Feet Racing Team when we opened and owned the Fleet Feet. Now a mother of five, she’s still running and if you’ve ever met her, you know her blog, Smileyruns, is ever so appropriate. Wonderful post and great words to start of the New Year right.  

Flashback… about 35 years ago, I found “my thing.” It began on a tiny team with a big tradition in my small town school. Fun people, an inspiring (and loud) Coach, my dad’s stories of his past experiences…and my “failure” at every other sport I tried…led me to running. And I am grateful it led me to so much more. 

WHY do I run??? 

To be alone. To be with others. 

To feel pain. To feel numb. To heal. 

To think. To think of nothing. 

To find my way. To get lost. 

To punish myself. To toward myself. 

I run when I’m… Happy. Sad. Mad. Discouraged. Motivated. Unmotivated. Afraid. Confident.

 

I run when I need to FEEL emotion. 

I run when I don’t want to feel ANYTHING. 

I run to solve problems. To plan. To daydream. 

I run to remember…and to forget. 

On my runs, I have processed regrets. I’ve prepared apologies…and words I could never say out loud – to anyone.  

Running helps me forgive – myself and others.  

I cry out with prayers of praise, confession, anger, hurt and gratitude as I run. 

Pleading prayers for self and others as I run.  

I have experienced laughter and tears as I run. 

I have felt pure joy…and absolute terror…on runs.  

I have seen the country… 

Met people from around the globe… 

Made forever friends… 

And fallen in love… all thanks to running. 

My runs have taken me on wooded trails, city streets, rolling hills, country roads, rocky paths & sandy beaches. 

I’ve hit the pavement before dawn and after dusk…in the heat of the summer day and in frigid winter temps. 

I’ve been blinded by rain, snow, wind, sleet, sweat and bugs…. 

There have been bruises, blisters, blood and injuries. 

I have run to chase finish lines and PR times…and now…my OWN time. 

I have won races, and I have lost…reached goals, and NOT. 

I’ve fallen a lot. 

I’ve gotten back up…MORE. 

As long as I’m able…and even when I think I can’t… 

I’ll. KEEP.ON.RUNNING. 

Sooo…what about you? Have you found “your thing”? It may not just be one thing, and it may change in different seasons of life – but it helps you fill up AND pour out. Is it art? Cooking? Exercise? Theater? Crafting? Building? Writing? Photography? 

Go explore. Go experience. Go find it. I pray that you do. 

(Background note: Once upon a time… I was a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. I LOVED helping people who were living with mental illnesses and battling self-medicating addictions discover – or rediscover – their interests and learn to use activities and hobbies to develop healthy coping skills and confidence. Sometimes grown ups forget how important it is to “play”…and that “playing” may lead to so much more in life. )

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