9 Reasons I've Learned to Love Running

I am a strong believer that anyone can do ANYTHING they put their mind to. As you may remember, when I first started running again I couldn't even do a mile. I would walk a fourth of a mile, then run the next fourth, then walk another fourth, and run another fourth... and even that would be really hard for me! And I run fairly slow... when I first started I would run 5.5 mph on the treadmill (that's like an 11 minute mile-- and that is without walk breaks!).

This is for all of you that say "I'm not a runner"... I'm here to say... yes you are! You can be a runner! No more than 5 months ago I was struggling to complete one mile and I just did 15 miles yesterday... and seriously if I can do it you can do it! That's what I created this blog for, to show that progress is possible and to help my readers believe in themselves! I don't share this to "toot my own horn" or to be perceived as saying, "Look at me, look at what I'm doing!" In fact, that's the exact opposite of what I'm trying to do! I want you to know that it IS possible and that YOU are capable!


It's amazing how big of a difference training can make, our bodies are capable of so much we just need to push them to find that it's limits are endless. I remember even going on a two mile walk after having my baby would give me shin splints... and now with training I've been able to do many more miles without even feeling sore the next day!


And for all of you that say "I hate running"... newsflash, I don't necessarily love it either! It's hard, it's tolling on your body, and in my opinion it's one of the hardest forms of cardio there is.


But let me tell you what I do love about running:

• I love that it makes you sweat like you've never sweat before. I'm talking face as red as a tomato, pore cleansing sweat. I'm talking swass like you've never experienced before (note to new runners--avoid grey fitted shorts-- trust me!)
• I love that it's a useful form of cardio. (If I told you I haven't imagined being prepared in case of a zombie apocalypse I'd be lying)
• I love that atmosphere of the races. 5K, 10K, half marathon, or marathon... getting out and doing those races are most of the fun! Signing up for those races is motivation to train before as well... I know some of them can be spendy but if it helps you get your workouts in then it's worth it!



Striders Half Marathon start line

• I love being at the start of the races with hundreds to thousands of other runners who are all coming together for the same thing! Most of us know we'll never win a race, and that's not the point! It's sense of belonging that's hard to come by.
• I love being watching marathon runners come through the finish line. It's always made me emotional to watch all of these dedicated individuals pushing their bodies to the limit and accomplishing their goals. I love it.
• I love that it gets you outside and is one opportunity to silence your mind and really be mindful of the world around you. Our day and age is always so obsessed with being entertained every single second but if you're scrolling through instagram while running you might have bigger problems ahead of you (literally!). While running you have no choice but to notice how beautiful the weather is, the snow capped on top of the mountains, or the tulips peaking out of the ground for their spring appearance. 
• I love having running buddies! I have a running partner (shout out to my BFF Kaitlyn!) that I've been running with for about 4 years now... We run close to the same pace (I'm sure I slow her down quite a bit but she doesn't let me know lol) but it's so fun to be able to sign up for races together and see each other when we live an hour apart. We have a whole group of running buddies that includes my mom, cousin, uncle, and some other friends that we get together and sign up for the same races. It's fun to be able to spend that time together and be able to blow all those burned calories on a fatty breakfast after the run! ;)

  

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• Food. I love food. And burning those calories leaves room for a little bit of ice cream here and there!
• Last but not least, running has given me energy to get through the day. It's crazy, you'd think that taxing your body by strenuous workouts would leave you tired the rest of the day. Some how it does the opposite! I used to feel like I needed a nap whenever my baby naps, now I can take on the day and get all my chores done with energy to spare. I actually have more energy when I get up at 6 in the morning and get my work out in than if I were to sleep in until 8 and not work out... it sounds crazy but it's true!

It's not easy, especially not easy to start. But running does get better, and after a while of training you might find yourself enjoying it! If you would like more information on how to start a running program, let me know and I'd love to help and let you know what I did! As for me, I have an 18 mile race in two weeks (a 30K) and I'm planning on doing a full marathon in September! Wish me luck!