Jennifer Resendez Composition 30 April 2002 Running Away From it All           In a life of everyday tensions, stress, and have-to-do's, it is almost a must to dedicate a part of those days to a moment that can get you away from it all. Exercise, particularly running or jogging, can be a great escape from things that could eventually lead to a breakdown of the mind, soul, and body.           Running may not sound like the most relaxing method in the world to relieve stress because of its demand for physical action and endurance. However, for those who find running a great time-away and time-alone, it provides just the boost they need to prepare for another hectic day to come. When individuals run along a road, it gives them the chance to free their minds and enjoy themselves.           When running, all you hear are your footsteps, your breathing, and the wind. For that moment, you feel lucky for the ability to walk and run the earth and breathe the air you breathe. This happens as a result of forgetting everything that makes you feel completely opposite yourself and your life. Also, the wind, whether running with you or against you, is one of your only two friends at the moment; the other is the road you run on. It is almost as if the wind is reminding you that you're still alive with its silent words, which to others may sound like mere "swooshes" or "gushes." While running, you don't mind the wind throwing your hair out of place. Your freely-flying hair serves as a perfect symbol of how you begin to feel: free(ly). Besides, the wind won't criticize your hair, or for that matter, anything at all.           Your other friend, the road, also cares not what you are wearing or whether or not you're wearing lipstick or mascara. When you hear the thumping of your feet on the solid ground you run on, it is symbolic of how you "thump" through everyday life and continue to do so "thump" after "thump." Quiet, happy memories also begin to fill your mind, which is a great way to feel good about yourself and your life.           For once in your day you begin to remember what it really is that makes you happy and forget all the frustrating and stressful things that demand so much and too much from you. And the two most unlikely things become your biggest motivators: the wind and the road.           Running, as if you're running away from it all, can and is a very spiritual and good way to end a day that almost seemed never would. It's a symbol of life, in the sense that while running, as in life, you're focused on what is ahead of you. Running helps greatly for the calming of the mind, and soul, for the body, it keeps you healthy and in shape.