One of the things I love about running is the feeling I get of being so free. No matter the distance of my run, the pain, heartache, stress, or worries that follow be throughout the day are left behind and I feel like a new person. Fresh slate, clear mind, strong body. After a good run I feel like I am mentally and physically overcome the next obstacle thrown at me.
When things are weighing heavy on my mind, I let the thoughts linger for a second, envision them all being wound up in a ball and then throw them out of sight, out of mind.
I get everything out during these times where I feel like I need to run. I am not running away from my problems, but rather facing them head on, contemplating positive solutions, and preparing myself for battle.
I become a warrior.
Similarly, running is so therapeutic for my soul. The feeling of just moving is freeing in itself. I am not longer caged up and allow my legs to be my grounded wings to make me fly.
I soar.
Out there nothing can bother me. The only thing that could slow me down or stop me is myself.
I rise to the occasion.
My early morning run was just what I was yearning for; a time to just breathe, to exist, to just be. Life is too short and time runs right past us. As I bared my soul with each stride, I let the new day cover me, the summer sun warmer than any blanket. The cold inside me was shaken. It never felt so good to be alive.
Finding a positive healthy behavior for times when you are down is so beneficial. I was looking forward to a good run yesterday, but by the time I got home I was drained and hungry. After a filling eggplant dinner, I decided to call it an early night and get the rest I needed to shake my Monday blues.
I set my alarm early, sleeping in my running shorts to give myself no excuses. At the crack of dawn I was eager to rise out of bed and out into the world. Fresh day, fresh state of mind. I emptied my mind and my inner battery was recharged. By the time my run was over, I felt alive again.
For this morning’s run, I added two pound weighted gloved to give my arms some extra toning. I wanted to go for 4 miles, but by the time I finished the 2nd mile I was ready to hit the shower, have my breakfast and head to work a little early.
Great post, Lauren! I’m curious to see how those arm weights are for you–do you think they’re working to tone your arms, or do you feel sore when you run with them? I love that you sleep with your running shorts on–I need to do that! Haha!! 🙂
Thanks Traci! It was my first time using them and to be honest, I didn’t really feel that big of a difference. Yea, you can tell there was extra weight, but my arm muscles really didn’t feel much and I am not sore now. I think I could probably do a heavier weight, but for longer runs I think 2 pounds is good enough. The weights wrapped around my wrist like a glove and there was discomfort on my arm wrist. I think it’s because of the way I type at the computer. I had to loosen the strap and make sure I kept my wrist straight, but there were no problems with my left at all. I will see after a week or two if there is any improvement. And hahah yea, sleeping in my running shorts made getting up at 5:15 easier. Just put on sneakers and go!
Beautiful! You are so good at writing, Lauren! ❤ xoxo
Thank you soo very much! ❤ Just made my day!
This really describes why I like to run in the mornings, thanks for a beautiful post.
Thanks so much!!
Lauren, you ARE amazing!!! Way to go and you’re such a hard worker!! You have such a beautiful heart!! XOXO!!
You always know how to make me smile! Thanks so much! xoxoxox
Thanks Lauren!!! XOXO!!!