There was a time not too long ago when signing up for a half-marathon was the furthest thing from my mind. I didn’t have the tools I needed to get me over the mental hurdle required to run. Now, I have an entirely new perspective: running is both exercise and a relaxing hobby.
Changing My Mindset
Going from being overweight to being one-hundred percent confident in myself came from a change in mindset. I had to see the benefits of running in my own life. Benefits beyond physical health. For me, it was not only important to change physically, but I also to get some much-needed mental and spiritual transformation.
When I started running, I was encouraged by Hal Higdon. He’s an amazing 85-year-old runner and writer. He trains men and women to be their very best. And with such a long track record, he’s a more-than-proven winner and trainer. His training methods have turned something that I used to dread into an activity I now use to relax and unwind.
Hal said, “There is no such thing as an average runner. We are all above average.”
Staying Motivated and Encouraged
Hal shines a light on running that makes succeeding feel like such an accomplishment to me and so many others. Going from hardly being able to run a block to now running at least five miles on a regular basis is an amazing feeling. I’m encouraged and enamored at what I can do with every step that I take.
Running has become a stress reliever for me. A way to uncloud my mind and focus on what’s coming in the day or week ahead. When life pulls me in so many different directions and my days are busier than ever, I find that running helps me to be more productive. It puts me in a headspace to deal with everything around me in the best way that I can. Some days it’s hard to find the time, but I’m always so glad that I carved out a piece of my schedule for something that betters me in so many ways!
