Damn Bugs!

Yesterday I went for what I intended to be a walk. The weather was beautiful, but my legs didn't feel up to a run. A part of me was screaming to run, but I overruled myself and decided a hefty walk was just as good.

I got dressed for my outing -- complete with my visor, watch with lap counter (which I still haven't figured out how to work), running shoes and sunscreen slathered on my face, ears, neck and arms. I started walking and settled into a nice cadence as I passed my "start running HERE" point on my route. I acknowledged the pull to run, but once again politely said, "No thank you."

Within about 50 yards, I encountered a small swarm (is there such a thing?) of little black flying bugs. They were smaller than a fly, but larger than a gnat or fruit-fly -- the perfect size to be completely annoying. The little insects buzzed in my ear, clamored against my face and even flew towards my hands. I swatted at them left and right, attempting to dismiss them from their annoying routine. After noticing the areas to which these nuisances were drawn, I realized they were attracted to my sunscreen.

This battle continued for another 50 yards. By then, I was no longer irritated. I was getting downright pissed at these flying pains in the ass! Twenty-five more yards of swatting unsuccessfully.

"Enough!" I cried in defeat. I realized I had only once choice to rid myself of these pests. I had to run. So, I started running.

Within seconds, the flying nuisances were removed from my personal space. I kept running for extra measure -- just to be sure they weren't trailing me.

No sign of the bugs.

Thirty seconds later, still no bugs, but I decided to keep running. I really wanted these things left behind.

Two minutes later, I concluded the bugs were behind me and were not likely to return. Still, I kept running.

By then, my cadence had fully shifted from a walk to a bug-fleeing pace and I was feeling pretty good. Slowing down now felt like taking a step backwards. I decided to keep going.

By the time the run was over, I'd traveled my intended route plus another mile, my endorphins were rushing through my body and I felt great. In fact, my legs felt strong, healthy and supple.

While those bugs could have stopped me from getting any exercise at all, they actually propelled me into the action my body, mind, and spirit needed. I damned them throughout the early part of my route; I now thank them for being the catalysts for my run.

What's bugging you in your life? How might it serve as a catalyst for what your body, mind and spirit need?