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

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?

I knew I had a reason to feel happy for Friday yesterday. I ended up having a great afternoon. During the kids’ naptime, I snuck in a yoga session. Using the for unlimited classes through Teach Street, I stretched myself out nicely. I completed one of the Athlete Recovery classes and it felt fabulous.

Then, the afternoon continued to go well with a visit to the park in the beautiful weather.

Spending time outdoors always makes me happy. We really need to find the time for a hike sometime soon! Hmmm…don’t think we have anything going on yet next Saturday. Although it shall be interesting to see how my body would handle a hike, albeit easy with the kids, after long runs.

I love starting my weekend off with a long run. Getting out and moving my body first thing sets the positive tone for the weekend. Nothing beats a runner’s high, after all! This morning I set out for my long run and finished 7.02 miles. I did the same path as my last long run, but did try one thing new. I fueled with an Espresso Love Gu packet.

I had a small squeeze of it about 15-20 minutes before my run – mainly to make sure the flavor and texture wouldn’t make me gag. I’m a huge texture eater and didn’t want to end up out on my run wanting to upchuck. That wouldn’t be attractive. I then had another squeeze at mile 4 into my run and again at mile 6. I loved how easily I could consume this and it didn’t bother my stomach at all. As for the energy aspect? Let’s just say Gu is my new best friend. Check out my splits!

• Mile 1 = 9:12
• Mile 2 = 9:23
• Mile 3 = 9:12
• Mile 4 = 9:21
• Mile 5 = 8:52
• Mile 6 = 8:37
• Mile 7 = 8:35
• Average = 9:02

My only complaint was that the Gu is mighty sticky. That could just be a personal problem though, as I somehow got it all over my hands with my specialness. 😉

Once I finished my run I came home to eat. I needed something to hold me over until a special lunch date with Lee, so I gobbled up a mango coconut muffin and a green smoothie.

I even carried the mango goodness over into the smoothie by using almond milk, banana, frozen mango chunks, and (of course) spinach. I always crave green smoothies after my long runs and this one satisfied my hankering quite nicely. The mango, I tell ya. I just can’t get enough! And drinking a green smoothie out of a tropical beach cup that originally held a margarita is tres normal. Because I said so.

Now, I will leave you all with the FFF Features of the week! Happy weekend!

Featured Moment: Date Night 

Featured Post: My Blogging Realizations

Featured Meal: Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Featured Workout: Two Great Weights Workouts
You all know how much I love weights. I certainly challenged myself this week. The following two workouts (one push and one pull) balanced out for some great overall training this week. Please note – these are two separate workouts for two non-consecutive days.

Featured Cuteness: Unpublished Easter Shot

B loving on his cousin, Enzo. Check out the cheeks on my boy. Love!

Featured Reading: Three New Blogs to Check Out

Katie @ Nourishing Flourishing

Her recent post about breaking points was exceptionally inspiring! Just like everything she writes. She knows how to keep a good perspective.

Erika @ The Teenage Taste

Young, but a genius in the kitchen already. And gorgeous photography to boot! Can we say Nutella Banana Bread, Oreo Muffins, & Spinach Artichoke Hummus? That’s all in the past week!

Lori @ What Runs Lori

This chick is inspirational! GREAT workouts, motivational topics, delicious food ideas, and a fun personality.