It Makes Me…
Posted: May 3, 2011 at 10:01 amIn 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
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
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
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?
Tags: running
I feel much the same way about running. It definitely makes me feel strong.
I feel that yoga really keeps me grounded and in tune with my body.
Running makes me feel accomplishment and happier.
Weightlifting makes me feel strong and powerful.
I feel that yoga really keeps me grounded and in tune with my body.
Running makes me feel accomplishment and happier.
Weightlifting makes me feel strong and powerful!
And it all adds up to a well rounded self. Love that! I think that is what I love about all 3 of those things too.
Seriously you are an inspiration Tina! I love seeing you coming full swing from being pregnant to running 7+ miles! You’re doing a fantastic job! As for your question, I’m still trying to figure that out…
You look so happy in all the pictures- it’s obvious you love running 🙂 I love running because I am capable of so much more than I ever thought I was!
Running makes me feel strong — and it helps me attack other problems/issues in my life — I just keep at it and I keep going. It will get easier and it will get better!
You sound like me when I first started running a few years ago. I signed up for a 7.1 mile race at a fitness expo with just under 2 months to train for it. Never did I think I would love it so much or run a marathon. Since then I have run several races inlcuding three marathons and several half marathons. I am telling you running gets addicting!
I’m already addicted! Part of me thinks a marathon in the future would be so neat to accomplish, in fact. Although I don’t think I will do one because of the training commitment. I had a hard time with my fitness competition and balancing it with family obligations. Never say never though, I’ve learned!
Great post! So happy to read that you are enjoying the sport of running. I love running (and spinning!) b/c it gives me time to release stress, reflect on things that are going on in my life, and I have also come to appreciate my body and how strong it is now.
Lifting weights is that activity for me, I love feeling strong and having that sense of accomplishment after a hard workout.
I still feel that way with weights too. Running is kind of the flip side to weight lifting. I used to think they were SO different, but the personal accomplishment and seeing changes in achievement in both are so similar to me. What I love about both of them!
You’ve taken to running like a fish in water!! So glad you’re enjoying it so much!!
what a great post!
I do love running. Sometimes I take breaks from it, especially during the cold winter but I always find my way back to it! 🙂
So glad it’s doing so many good things for you! 🙂
I have to say that all of your answers apply to me as well. Especially the reflective part…I get my best thinkin and praying and ideas when I work out!
I certainly feel running makes me saner. Before I became addicted, I had real trouble with panic attacks, and it almost made them non-existent. Can’t…wait…to…get…back.
Soon enough!!! You’re SO close. 🙂
I love running because it reminds me to eat well and feed my body. When you don’t, your runs just suck :).
that is SO true! I have to eat good some days just so I can have a good run! If I eat like crap, my runs don’t work!
love your honesty, and i think running is the perfect way to clear your head and have that “me” time, leaving your stresses on the road.. or trail.. or treadmill.. haha 🙂
Man, I feel like I could’ve written almost the same exact post about running. Everything you said about why you love it rings true for me as well. Especially the self-reflection aspect…and the way it makes me feel so proud of my body and how it can do things I never thought possible before. Great post!
I love that you write with your heart! Running is my go to activity and I love it. It gives me clarity of mind, peace, and makes me feel strong. Through running, I’ve learned that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to. 🙂
Like you, I am a new runner. I feel many of the same feelings you do. I used to look at running as something that was so awful…but once you get past those burning lungs and jello legs and finish a race? It is the most satisfying feeling ever! 🙂
What an awesome post! Running is exactly the same for me! You said it so much better than I could have though. 😀
Great post Tina! Running is my most favorite type of exercise. I miss it so much right now!! But at soon as this baby’s born, I’ll be back at it 🙂
I like to walk. I agree w/ you … walking outside, taking in nature, and talking to God is one of the best activities I can do to keep me sane too!
Good Post!
I loved reading this post. I love doing Zumba because it makes me feel empowered, plus I have a lot of fun doing it!
And fun is SO important in my mind.
I’m so happy you’ve come to really appreciate it!
I’m a little more on the down and out side of running right now, but hopefully my doctor will get me good as new really soon!
I love that you’ve found a new form of fitness that you love.
I totally agree with what you said especially about getting to reflect – I love getting to take time to be in my own head and sort out what is going on, and running (and walking, hiking, elliptical) allow me to do that. I’ve also found that I enjoy exercise that doesn’t allow me to do that, when I’m rock climbing I am completely in the zone, I’m thinking about the next reach or foot hold or getting my body into the right position – there is no room for thinking about anything else.
I feel the same way! Running made me feel strong and confident!
I felt the same way when I started doing my couch to 5k training- and especially after my first 5k! It’s a little frustrating now to have exercise begin feeling harder and harder, and I know I’ll be anxious to get back to wogging all out when Baby D arrives!
I really wish I had an answer to your question, but I just don’t. One day though…
I’ve enjoyed following along on your falling in love with running. It’s so fun to see how far you’ve come in such little time!
Running and swimming will always be my go-to physical activities for clearing my mind. Both just make me feel at peace.
Awesome post, Tina!!! Running makes me SANE too. I am naturally such an anxious person and tend to really overthink things even when I know I’m being crazy. After I go out for a run, a calmness comes over me and I feel more able to approach things and think about things rationally.
Tina,
I couldn’t agree more about running. Its a solitude time that allows us to realign our thoughts, to find peace, to balance out all that the world throws our way. It makes me happy to read this about you.
Weight will come and go but a healthy passion lasts forever!
I love that you’ve picked up running. Running makes me sane too. Seriously, if I didn’t run, I’d be a crazy person for sure.
You and me both! And I would SO love to get to act like crazy people together over a run/race one day. We’ve got to meet someday!
I KNOW! I looked into doing the Savannah half because Savannah is my absolute favorite city, but I won’t be able to take off of work. I am for sure going to do the Disney one on January 7 though!
Sometimes my favorite physical activity is just laying out the yoga mat and stretching at a quiet time in the morning or evening. I feel like it really connects me to everything. Of course, I love walking, hiking, lifting weights, and sometimes running, too. Just depends on my mood, I suppose 🙂
I like my kickboxing and strength training. I know I have HUGE limitations, but the fact that I do what I can when I can makes it better for me. Working out definitely makes me sane and helps me feel better about me. I’ve heard a lot of people say that gain weight when running. Have you heard this? It happened to both of my sisters too. That may be the difference in the number.
I have heard that about running too. Not sure if it’s from having a bigger appetite though and it making people eat more or something else though? I had forgotten about that. Won’t change my love for running though. 😉
And I find it so impressive how you make fitness work for you and still work so hard!
On days when I do a long run, I am STARVING! I definately have to watch what I eat on those days or would I for sure gain weight! 🙂
I think that’s a huge part of it! I think we all process foods so differently and really finding a good balance is hard when your hungry you want to eat. So the further you run, the hungrier you are and you need the right fuel. I think running uses your muscles differently too and I bet they hold more water when they are shocked with longer runs.
Aw this is beautiful! I couldn’t agree more! Running has given me so much! Confidence, a strong body, and the determination to do anything I put my mind to!
im with you on the running! it makes me happy, makes me feel amazing, eases my stress, I could go on FOREVER. I love that you’ve discovered the love for running!
You are so smiley 🙂 I love the photos!
I love running, too. It’s so flexible – anyone can do it, anytime, at any pace, listening to music or watching TV, or just letting your thoughts wander. I couldn’t agree more…running makes me…me!
LOVE this! I actually had a good run today, now that I got an inhaler to try and it was the first run I’ve had in awhile where my mind just went and didn’t focus so much on how hard it was. Running is by far, the most challenging for my body and when I am done, I am always amazed. You captured it perfectly!
LOVE IT! I think you hit home with a lot of runners with that eloquent and lovely post. 🙂 I always feel ‘off’ or just not like myself if go too many days wthout running.
Another wonderful post!
I knew that race would bring you the dark side…
I love running, too! I can’t believe how much I miss it now that I’m not able to do it!
I love this post and agree with all the reasons 🙂
I love this post! Although I’m no where near being able to run for 7 miles, I really am enjoying my time running. When I first started I would always run with music. But about 4 weeks ago I stopped listening to music while running, and I think it’s made a huge difference for me. Now I can concentrate on my form and my breathing. And sometimes, when things are going smoothly, I am able to just think about things and enjoy my alone time. As long as my body cooperates, I think I’ll be running for quite some time! 🙂
Love it! You seem so happy when you talk about running and your smile just radiates what is in your heart.. LOVE! 🙂
Have a great evening!
I feel the same way about running. I remember when I was in elementary school I asked my mom why she didnt run with her Walkman (that makes me feel old) and she said it was because, “I do some of my best thinking when I run”. I never understood it then, but I totally get it now.
Great post! I love reading about how much you love running now, you’ve made such progress in these few months! All these apply to running for me too. Going for even a short run makes me happier, able to think clearer, stronger, and more.
I LOVE running! Tina, do you run at night after your husband is home or early in the morning? I run at night after hubby is home but I would love to do them in the mornings, I am just NOT a morning person!
I love how running makes us realize and see how amazing and strong our bodies are! I would NEVER think I could run 8 miles but I actually CAN!
I do one run in the morning on the treadmill at the gym, one run in the afternoon when he gets home, and my Saturday long run in the morning. I much prefer morning too! Wish I could do all my runs in the morning outdoors.
Great post – loveeeed it!
I love running, mountain biking, and hiking. I’m learning to loooooove yoga, but don’t tell anyone 😉
Happy Tuesday 😀
I LOVE THIS POST! I feel like it perfectly describes my relationship with running. It shows me how strong my body really is and amazes me. 6 months ago I never thought I could run a mile. Now I can run 6 at a time! 😀
great post! I’ve been running for a few years and I wish I loved it as much as you. maybe I should just push myself more. I run the same 3 mile route 3x week, I dread it! but I always feel better after. I want to be excited about running!
Loved this post! Running is my sport of choice as well, all for the reasons you mentioned! My two favorite things it allows me to do it keep sane, connect with god, and appreciate my body for the strength and health that allows me to run!
I totally agree- running is the best! I can’t wait to be able to run again 🙁