I've been re-reading the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. I came across a passage in The Goblet of Fire last night that caught my attention. Harry is about to face his first task in the Triwizard tournament where he has to steal an egg from Hungarian Horntail Dragon. He steps into the arena, and

"He felt much more aware of his body than usual; Very aware of the way his heart was pumping fast, and his fingers tingling with fear...he swung his leg over the broom and kicked off from the ground. And a second later, something miraculous happened. As he soared upward, as the wind rushed through his hair, as the crowd's faces become mere flesh-colored pinpricks below, he realized that he had left not only the ground behind, but also his fear...He was back were he belonged."

This passage beautifully captures the essence of the runner's journey. Just like Harry, we often find ourselves grappling with nerves and apprehension before a race or embarking on a challenging workout. The anticipation of the unknown can be overwhelming, causing our hearts to race and our minds to fill with doubt.

But once we take that first step, once we push off from the ground and begin to move forward, something miraculous happens. The rhythm of our footsteps, the sensation of the wind against our skin, the sights and sounds of the world around us – they all conspire to transport us to a place where fear ceases to exist.

As runners, we know this feeling well. We've experienced the transformative power of movement, the way it has the ability to quiet our fears and bring us back to ourselves. In those moments of clarity and connection, we realize that we are exactly where we belong – on the open road, chasing our dreams one stride at a time.

The next time you find yourself filled with apprehension before a run, remember Harry's journey on his broomstick. Embrace the fear, but don't let it hold you back. Take that first step, and trust that the magic of movement will carry you forward, leaving your fears behind in the dust.