It Makes Me…

Posted: May 3, 2011 at 10:01 am

In just the few short months I have picked up running, I have come across quite a few realizations. I love the sport. And not only because it allows me to eat more than in my previous sport of competing in fitness. I love the sport of running because it makes me a better person. Cliche? Yes. True? Even more so.

Running Makes Me…Stronger

7 mile run

With running, I get to test new limits frequently and achieve things I before would have balked at trying. Run a mile in under 9 minutes? Hah! Run 4, 5, 6, 7 miles at a time? You have got to be kidding me! Yet, I have learned that I can. Every time I accomplish something new on a run – managing a slightly quicker pace, pushing harder on the “hill of death”, reaching a new distance – I cannot help but to recognize my strength. And then want to push harder and see where my body will continue to take me in the future.

Running Makes Me…Saner

runtina

I admit that I can get frustrated with certain things and not keep the best of perspectives at times. I encountered a moment like that before my long run this past Saturday. I already mentioned that my progress this month has posed a few challenges for me. Well, Saturday I had another moment of disappointment when I did my weekly weigh in. Peter informed me I had a bump up, albeit small, in my weight. Immediately I had the knee-jerk reaction of feeling discouraged, but I laced up my sneakers and prepared myself for my run.

While running, I had the chance to reflect on why I felt so frustrated. It dawned on me that I believed I deserved more. Why? Well, I noticed that I had subconsciously tried cutting back on food too much over the course of the week in an attempt to counteract Easter holiday eating. I didn’t actively make that decision, but I guess old habits from many years still creep their way into my life…without me even noticing it until I take the time to look harder at things. My run allowed me the time to regain my composure and realign myself with my eating beliefs and what I hope to accomplish in my Body After Baby progress – health and happiness over a number. In short, it brought back my sanity.

Running Makes Me…Appreciative

I cannot go on a run without considering that amazing blessing of a healthy body. Seriously. The way our bodies can work to move in such ways and endure the things we put them through…wow! I have carried two children. I have put my body through crazy eating habits of years of binging and restricting. I push it hard in workouts. And it does not let me down. Time and time again. I thank God for my health every time I run.

Running Makes Me…Reflective

I get to have some of my best discussio ns with the most important figure in my life on my runs. I may bang out to some Glee music, but I still chat it up with God too. Being able to get into my head and lay it all at His feet comes naturally during a run. I love having that extra time to spend with Him outside of my regular prayer time.

Running Makes Me…Me

1st outdoor run 2

I thrive on fitness. Having fitness goals to work towards fulfills me in ways other things do not. Running fits so well into my passion for fitness and gives me the opportunity to pursue something fitness related that works well with my family, my time, my beliefs, and more – unlike other fitness goals I have worked towards. Plus, I love making friends and building relationships. The community of running and races allows me to connect with so many awesome people. Running undeniably suits my personality well.

  • What physical activity do you love and what does it do for you?

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72 Comments to “It Makes Me…”
  1. i LOVE that nike ad!!!! i dont love running, though. which is not exactly the norm for bloggers. i like it, but i would rather do squats. ha.

  2. Karolina says:

    I love the “I have thunder thighs” ad- great perspective to body image and health…

  3. I am loving running right now! I’m not as concerned with distance at the moment since the furthest I’ve run has only been a 5K on the treadmill, but I love seeing my speed and endurance increase. I ran today at the gym and was able to get up to 7.4 mph for the last bit and was surprised/overwhelmed/proud that I was able to do it without feeling “like I was going to die”! It makes me feel strong and it makes the world shut up for a minute…just me, my tunes, and my sneakers! Love it!

    • Tina says:

      I love the “world shutting up” aspect of it too. LOL

      And 7.4 is dang good, girl! Way to go!

  4. Love this post!!! Ah makes me even more excited to continue in my running training (not going too well) haha! I have to say, although cliche right now zumba is one of my favorite physical activities, it reminds me so much of when I was a dancer and makes me smile. Pilates also brings this side of me out and releases a passion I forgot I had!!

  5. Tina, love the post and all that you are loving about running and your passion for it!

    I love yoga. I always come back to it, no matter what things i try, that’s what i end up with. And running too!

  6. Morgan says:

    I just really began to love running too. It makes me a better version of myself!

  7. Courtney F says:

    Running is my “Me” time! I miss it on my Rest days. It is such an individual sport. YOU have the choice to push yourself or not!

  8. Stacy says:

    I love running too! And for all the reasons you said. I never thought I’d be a runner though. I remember always thinking that people who ran track or long distance runs, just for the sake of running were nuts. And now, well now I’m running because it soothes me! Craziness but I do love it!

  9. […] the treats. I didn’t even realize I was doing it until I tried to figure out my gain on that reflective long run I had. I know from experience that my body will hold onto weight like crazy if I don’t fuel it […]

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