March was tough. I’m four weeks away from the Mini Marathon at this point and really logging the miles. I ran my farthest distance ever on Sunday, ten miles, taking my March total to 50.9 miles.
OVER 50 MILES in March. Beast.
Some days I love running. Some days I loathe it. But I do it anyway because it’s teaching me discipline and making me mentally stronger. There’s nothing like the battle that goes on in your head when you’re running and you really think you can’t go one step further.
And then you do.
You know what’s more addicting than drugs? Runner’s high. Knowing that you completed something that you’ve never done before. It’s empowering. This running gig has bled into other areas of my life, making me more focused, more confident, just more.
I’m thinking differently, thinking like a runner. I’m more aware of what I eat the day before a long run. I’m constantly drinking water because that one time I didn’t drink enough and I woke up all night with severe leg cramps is burned into my memory forever. I save all my favorite shows for the treadmill if I know I’ll be running inside. Important stuff, people.
This running thing is changing my life. I’m a better mom, a better wife, a better friend, and a better teacher because of it. I have more energy, more patience, and more grace. Because I have a lot of time to think while running and that makes me calmer.
Can I tell you to take up running? Is that allowed? I’d love for you to experience these things too. To feel on top of the world after a great run and then feel your body recover from it so you can do it all over again.
Running’s a bitch. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.
50.9 miles…seriously you are a BEAST!! Great job! Thanks for encouraging me to run a few months ago. It’s really changed my life as well! Keep it up!
So glad we’re on this journey together, Heather! 🙂
Hi! I started a C25K program because of your blog at the beginning of the year. I started WW because of your instagram account, and the food photos you posted that made it look like something I could do myself. Yesterday I ran the first mile I’ve ran since probably middle school. It was the most amazing feeling – even though it wasn’t much, it was HUGE for me. Today I’ve lost 12 lbs and 4 inches. THANK YOU for the constant encouragement!
-Audra
Audra, I’ve read your comment like ten time in the past 24 hours, it just makes me so happy. It’s surreal that someone feels inspired by me and took action. AND YOU RAN A MILE! I know that feeling of running a mile and feeling absolutely on top of the world, that was me just last March! You’ve done the hardest part–starting–and I can’t wait to hear how the 5K goes, because you’re going to rock it. Keep me updated please!!
I will! Read along if you’d like, instagram: audrasally, and my blog is listed… I always update stuff on there.
Yep, I remember when you started running last year, and things started changing for you. For some reason, I just felt like we were similar, and I could make those changes too. Hope you’re feeling better soon, after the bug!
Amazing job my friend! I’ve started again this week and feel so much better!
It’s amazing what it does, huh? 🙂