I love to run

Running is a huge passion of mine. I like planning out future runs, sprints, distance running, registering for races and of course I love the feeling of accomplishment after completing a long run and the sweat that pours off every pore of my body.

I didn’t always feel that way though. I will be the first to admit.. running didn’t come natural to me. It used to be hard and I would struggle to keep a steady pace. In high school.. I hated running.. dreaded running.. but those also were the days of brown sugar pop tarts and sprite for breakfast.

Then in college, I started to run for fun. Yes.. fun. It became therapeutic. I completed my first race and was hooked. I kept track of my pace with each run and set a goal to beat it on the next run. It became a full blown addiction. Then when my mother passed away, I ran to just run. I remember going for a run the day after she passed, I just needed to get away, I almost ran 15 miles that night. Again.. therapeutic? I couldn’t run away from the pain of losing her but it helped. It became my time to think and reflect on life.  To feel my heart beat inside my chest, to wipe sweat and tears from my face.

I continued to run each and every day.. which lead to an injury, I was diagnosed with bursitis in my hip. Sigh.. Anyone who has ever experienced anything from preventing you from doing something you love. It was horrible.. I missed running, I actually craved a run. I told you I was an addict. I took time off from running and stuck to other types of fitness classes. This is when I decided that I wanted to be an instructor. I fell in love with les mills and the energy from the gym members in the room. My injury healed and I went back to running – but not every day. I kept it slow and steady and continued to teach. I felt grateful for my health and my ability to run.

When I was pregnant with the twins I couldn’t run. Due to the fact of being high risk. I craved a run.. I would drive past runners and just wished I could be out there with them. Then I just went home and ate popcorn off my belly.

Only 4 weeks after the twins were born, I went for a run/walk.. 1 mile felt like forever.. I got a side ache, I couldn’t breathe, my belly felt as if it was bouncing all over the place. I felt a little disheartened.. I worked out throughout my entire pregnancy.. Why couldn’t I get through 1 mile?! I kept going a little at a time, building my endurance and increasing my speed. It took time.. but I finally reached a point that running was enjoyable again.

I ran for the love and the sanity, with hope, through pain, sadness, injury, for the fitness.

So HOW do you START running?

1.Make a goal- It could be a daily goal or a long term goal! Example: “Today I will complete 3 miles.” or “Sept 22 I will run my first race.” When you have something to strive for it will be easier to push yourself through training.

2. Find a running buddy- Its easier and safer to run when you have someone with you.

3. Invest in good shoes- Having good running shoes is VERY important! Bad shoes that don’t support your feet can lead to long term injuries.

4. Start slow- Running doesn’t come easy for most people. Make it fun. You don’t have to be young, or a certain weight or have high endurance to go for a run. Start with a short run/walk and build up.

5. Choose smart fuel. Eat the right mix of carbs/protein- You need adequate fuel to help you get through a run and to recover from a run. Have a banana with some oats or a protein shake.

6. STRETCH! Stretching will help prevent injury and aid with recovery.

Hope some of these tips helped! Now, no excuses! Hit the pavement!

Q. Do you have a running goal right now?

Q. Why do you run? Or if you are just getting into running why do you want to run?