Add Running to Your Life!

My mother is a runner.

She can do four miles on a treadmill that's broken- stuck on a steep incline- like it's nothing. I envy her. Usually when I make it a mile, huffing and puffing all the way, I feel like I've accomplished a huge task. I let people know, "I ran today." I'm so proud of myself! I'm thankful that my mom is a runner, because after I had my son six years ago, when I was ready to resume normal activities and lose the "baby weight", she put me on the same treadmill in her garage and said, "Run." 

That was the beginning of my love for running.

I love running for multiple reasons

Running is like going to a party.

When I put my headphones in, usually listening to something upbeat and rocking, I get into this sort of zone. It's the, "I'm a rockstar, doing work, getting healthy, paying the cost to be the boss, running like a machine" zone. I'm a music girl through and through. It speaks to my soul. Running is my concert! I rock out to Fireflight and Skillet, and I rap along to Lecrae and Flame. With the music pumping, I feel this urge to move forward and it fuels my run while letting me do one of my favorite things- listening to music!

Running burns body fat.

I saw evidence of this when I lost 40 lbs after giving birth to my son. I usually would run about a mile a day back then. I recently got back into my groove with running and am trying to just get out for a jog about four times a week. When you run, start with a steady pace, then when you hit your favorite song on the Ipod (or Android!) try to do sprints here and there. You actually burn more fat when you alternate between sprints and a steady pace. Try jogging at your normal pace for two minutes, then sprinting for thirty seconds to one minute. This usually is what I end up doing anyway to catch my breath! You have to listen to your body when you begin a running routine. You have to build up your endurance and strength. When I first started running. I did the slowest jog ever for about half of a mile, then fell out on the floor while the turtles in the other room laughed at me. But! Like they say, "No matter how slow you are going, you're STILL lapping everyone on the couch!". So, start slow, and you will see that as your body gets used to running, you will be able to go faster, and run for longer distances.

Running gives you endorphins and a feeling of accomplishment. 

Have you ever heard of the "runner's high"? Well, it exists! During high intensity workouts, endorphins (chemicals generated in the brain during intense moments such as pain, exercise, and eating spicy foods) are released into your brain giving you an overall sense of well being and a feeling of calm and peace. Now, this doesn't happen every time you run! There have been times where I run, but feel awful afterwards. This usually happens when I've been out of the groove for a while and pushed myself too hard. But occasionally during a run, after I've pushed myself for several minutes, then begin to slow down, I'll feel myself get into this groove where the run becomes easy. It's like I'm effortlessly gliding along! Studies have shown that regular exercise can help prevent depression and elevate your mood as well as prevent overall feelings of fatigue. Plus at the end of a run, you know that you are making steps (or strides!) towards a more toned physique and a more healthy you! Knowing that you are working towards your goal brings feelings of accomplishment.

If you decide to begin running as part of your fitness routine, don't be afraid to start slow. You can begin by walking at a brisk pace, then jogging at a slow pace for a few minutes, and alternating that back and forth. As time progresses you will be able to run for longer periods without getting winded. Running can put a strain on your knees, so if you have had any type of knee issues, make sure you check with your doctor first! Always consult your doctor if you have any pain during running! 

Be safe, and happy running!

Jessie