as i sat here, looking like i literally jumped in a swimming pool with all my clothes on (and pretty disgusted that it's not water, but sweat), i asked myself the question: why i am i doing this? sure i feel fabulous after i successfully run for 30 minutes (which for me, is quite a feat) but what is the point? i could do another form of exercise. i don't have to do a half marathon.
here's what i came up with:
- it pushes me physically and mentally. to be honest, i don't particularly like running. it's hard for me to do. so it truly is pushing myself to get out there and run.
- i love the feeling when i'm done running. the endorphins kick in, and you start getting addicted to them!
- i like knowing that my body can do it. that it is capable of so much more than i thought.
-i get my alone time. sure, i really wish i had a running partner, but in some ways it's a good thing that it's just me and my ipod. there are very few times in the day that i can truly listen to my thoughts and get away from my every day duties.
- i love the calories i burn. i'm a big sweater (c'mon, you would be too in houston!) and as i feel the sweat pour off me, i tell myself that it's ok that i ate three chocolate chip cookies last night.
- it makes me grateful for the body my Heavenly Father gave me. of course every woman looks at her body occasionally and goes "holy crap! how did it get this way?" but running makes me feel good about my body.
- running a half marathon has been a goal of mine since 2006. ok, to be honest back then i wanted to run a marathon. but that just sounds gross to me now. i feel like a half marathon is long enough to feel like i've accomplished something, but short enough that i won't die.
every time i start losing my drive i'm going to look at this list. i need an occasional reminder of why i'm doing this!
5 comments:
I've been telling myself I should get back into running. I stopped because it got too hot outside. But if you're doing it in Texas, those of us in New York have no excuse!
ya know i'm off and on with my love/hate relationship with running. as i get closer and closer to my half (we're in days now, EEK!) i feel more hatred towards it. it's been a long process but you really do feel so much better about yourself and what you can accomplish. i wish i was there to run with you, i could use a running partner right about now. but it's good for you. you're going to do so great on your half. it's totally doable. i believe in you!
Love this post. We are very similar runners (feel the same way about it). I'm not a big fan of it either, but you do get addicted to the great feelings after. Good for you for prepping for a half. After I have this baby wanna do another one??!!
i second it all!
i have a love hate relationship with running, but i feel just the same was as you. we are young and we need to take advantage of these bodies we've been given!
You have a glaring omission: being able to escape rapists/serial killers. What is the point of keeping in shape if you can't get away from danger.
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