We all know the hubs is my true love. But I also have a 2nd love that I hold just as closely to my heart (and no it's not chocolate!) :) Ain't that the truth?!?! Running. Yes, that's right. Running is my 2nd love. It's like a drug to me (quite the dramatic statement...I know, I know) But it's true. Let's go back in time...the year is 2010. I'd been going to the gym for about 2 years. At that point I wasn't really doing any cardio - I was mostly doing the strength machines and ab exercises. Matt got this brilliant idea for us to do a local 5k. Up to that point I'd run maybe a mile every once in a blue moon but it definitely wasn't something I was doing regularly. I struggled with training for this 5k - I think I ran 3 miles once before my knee started acting up. Because of this knee issue I wasn't even sure I was going to run the race until like 10 the night before. But we did it - and it was A-MA-ZING! I was SOLD! Over the past 3 and a half years I've stuck with running and worked my way up to running a few more 5ks, 5 10ks, 3 half marathons, and 1 marathon. Running is my THING. It's that thing that's just for me. When I run I get to leave the rest of the world behind. I can think. I can figure things out. Or I can just listen to my music (I've been known to sing out loud while on a run outside ha-ha)and legit zone out. It's my saving grace.
Let's go back even further. I was not the least bit athletic in school. I did run track for a year but I wasn't good so the coaches didn't really bother with me and I really didn't enjoy it (I was a 'sprinter' - definitely not my thing!) I never participated in any other sports (I have zero coordination ha-ha) So when I clicked with running I became obsessed with it. It's allowed me to do things I NEVER in a million years imagined I'd do! Running, in my eyes, is good for the mind, body, and soul. It gives you a huge sense of accomplishment. It gives you confidence (something we all need more of, am I right?!) It strengthens you, physically as well as mentally. The running community is incredible as well. There's nothing better than taking out your ear buds at the end of a race and listening to complete strangers cheer you on - they are legit excited and happy for you!! It's one of the best moments. Running makes me happy. Running is just a part of who I am now. It has helped me grow. It has been my saving grace too many times to count. I have never once regretted a run - but I've regretted not going for a run. Even when I don't feel like it (because that does happen!) I do it anyways and ALWAYS feel better afterwards. For me personally, I hit my stride after 3 miles - any distance longer than 3 miles is in my sweet spot - 10ks and half marathons are my favorite distances to run. Another thing I love about running is that it's one of those things that anyone can do. It truly doesn't matter how fast or slow you go - it doesn't matter if you're at your goal weight or want to lose some weight. It just matters that you go. I am by no means a fast runner and I'm A-OK with that. I don't run for that reason. I run because of how running makes me feel. And my hope for this blog is that it inspires someone to go out and run today. Even if it's just for one minute...who cares?! You DID it!!!!! That one minute will soon become 5 then 20 then 60 minutes. Give it a chance and stick with it - running will change your life.
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AuthorHey ~ I'm Renée...just your ordinary, 30-something Accountant, new mommy, wife, runner, foodie, & Pinterest addict! Welcome to my newest adventure...stay awhile...look around...and keep comin' back! Archives
January 2018
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