One foot in front of the other.
Huffing,
Puffing
.
Keep going.
Don't quit.
You're a fourth of the way done.
You can't stop now!
These are some of the thoughts that went through my head as I ran forty minutes today. Some days I am ready to go and running feels effortless. Other days I feel heavy and it's hard to get going. Today was somewhere in the middle.
As I was running, I had time to think. Running has been transformational for me, not just physically but mentally and emotionally. I thought I would share some of the things running has taught me.
Running has taught me I can go beyond the limits I set for myself.
I often tell myself I can't do something. Even just a couple years ago, if you had talked to me about running, I would have said I can't run long distances. I told people I didn't have good endurance and wasn't a runner. I can't draw. I am not creative. I am not a good singer. Blah, blah, blah. All these limiting beliefs. Given, we are either talented in an area or we aren't, but a little hard work and determination can go a
long way. I have proved myself wrong multiple times by trying to something new and stepping out of my comfort zone, pushing the limits I had set for myself, and I found I succeeded. In the past I struggled to run two consecutive minutes. Telling me I would be able to run half an hour was laughable. By training and pushing the limits I had set, I am now able to run three and a half miles and am training for a 10k.
Running has taught me that thoughts have power.
Some days the difference between having a fun, successful run and having a tough run (or giving up a little too early) is my thoughts. If I approach my run with optimism, ready to crush it and reach new goals, I start off strong and pushing through is easier. If I am dreading my run or just feeling guilty over not eating well or down on myself for one reason or another, running is harder. I want to give up sooner. My distance isn't as good.
Running has taught me not to take the easy way out. Persevering during the challenges is when real progress happens.
Sure, I could always run slow and just be content with that. After all, three miles is still three miles no matter how slow or fast you run. However, pushing myself is when I see progress. I would never increase my pace or distance if I just stayed right where I am. When I am at the end of a run, about to reach my cool down, I increase my speed. I may sprint or just speed up a little, but I push myself. The next run I aim to go faster, go farther than the previous run. Transformation isn't instantaneous, but change happens over time by facing challenges head on and not giving up.
Running has given me more confidence, helped me find a new hobby, decreased my stress levels, increased my cardiovascular health, given me a new social circle to enter into, among other benefits.
I used to see running as a boring form of physical activity only for select people.
How wrong I was.
I used to see running as just a way to get in exercise.
Little did I know running would do so much more than give me a cardio workout.
Little did I know I would learn more from running than I thought possible.
