“I am here for a purpose and that purpose is to grow into a mountain, not to shrink to a grain of sand. Henceforth will I apply ALL my efforts to become the highest mountain of all and I will strain my potential until it cries for mercy. “
Og Mandino
After a lot of careful consideration and back and forth, I have officially come out. Not in the Lady Gaga themed gay pride sense (although I did think the youtube video was pretty awesome- I could only wish to be that fabulous). Rather, I have opened up about my blog to my coworkers and Facebook friends. Initially, when I started this blog, I had intended on keeping it to myself. I wanted to provide a voice for those victims who were unable to speak up for themselves and let them know they are not alone. I also wanted to help raise awareness about domestic violence. While I was open with many of my coworkers about what I had been through, I found the topic of domestic abuse tends to make people uncomfortable. Several of them knew that I had started a blog, but I had never offered to let any of them read it. The only people in my life who had read The Running Thriver up til now were a few close family members and friends.
However, as I have gotten more involved in the fight against domestic abuse- especially with the launching of the Running for the Color Purple Campaign- I have felt that sharing my blog is the right thing to do. If I can’t be completely open about this big part of my life and educate the people I interact with on a daily basis than 1) how can I expect to educate anyone else, and 2) how can I encourage other victims to speak up and not be ashamed? While I am not at all embarrassed about what I have been through, I have been a little reluctant to “spring” this information on people- in particular Adam’s family and friends.
At the end of the day, though, I care more about speaking up and raising awareness than I do about not bringing attention to myself. Plus, I would have found it difficult to ask so many people to donate to this cause without explaining why it is so important to me.
In other news, I bought my first pair of non-vibram running shoes in a LONG TIME. With the Diva Half and Hartford Marathon being on pavement, and my continued difficulty getting accustomed to running on pavement in my Vibrams, I figured it might be wise to hold off on a barefoot marathon for a while longer. Adam helped me pick out a pair with more cushioning in the toe box so they would be more comfortable for my new running style. I also got my first pair of real running socks and some pink gloves (on clearance!) for when the weather gets cooler. One week until the Diva Half and less than 3 until the Hartford Marathon!!!
My new shoes- There are even paisley on the inside!!!
Related articles
- Earning my orange… (runningthriver.wordpress.com)
- It gets harder before it gets easier… (runningthriver.wordpress.com)
- On the Edge (runningthriver.wordpress.com)
- Beyond Violence (runningthriver.wordpress.com)
The Running Thriver 
Congratulations on your decision to “go public” with your blog. That was a difficult step for me too, but if we are serious about our intention to tell our story in the hope that others will benefit (as I am about grief and you are about domestic abuse), then we really must choose to go public.
Our stories are oddly parallel in many ways. I, too, am a survivor of spousal abuse (from my first husband, not my Kurt). Kurt is actually the person who helped me recognize and overcome the abuse, and get out of that pathetic excuse for a marriage. He then went on to love me, marry me, and believe in me unconditionally for 25 years until his death. It does get better.
We run because it quiets our thoughts, and because our running shows us that we are capable of so much more than we think (or than others tell us) we are.
Lori
Thanks Lori! I agree that our stories are very parallel. I find your blog so inspiring! Thank you for sharing your amazing story.
What VFFs are you wearing? I would not hesitate to wear my Bikilas on pavement. I’m actually kind of scared to go back, but thank goodness I don’t need to worry about it. I would be more inclined to keep trying VFFs to make sure none of them would work before going back and taking a chance on having the pain rebound to that same degree. Now if only I could find my toe socks….. 😀
I have the Komodo sport. I do ok on pavement for I few miles, but I just haven’t used them enough on it to do a full half. I’m sure I’ll get there though! I would never convert back! I did the half in regular running shes, and it was actually ok. I think that is totally owing to training in the vibrams though! Good luck with your socks!!!
I think for running, I am going to stick to my Bikilas. I need to get out and do some pavement if I’m going to try a 10k next month. I don’t think it will be a problem, but don’t know for sure. So far they are fine- I’m right at 200 miles with them.
Still working on the socks, but my Komodosport LSes should be here this week, and I’ll have two pairs in with them. Wish I could find them locally for cheap… 🙂