How I changed my life with running Changing your life can seem complicated thing, and in the past I have found it hard but without knowing I found a secret that changed my life. I started running. Up front I need to say I am not usually a very disciplined or motivated person but this has changed. How I Started Running I was walking on a regular basis but never really saw many benefits to the way I looked or felt. Then one day I just decided to push myself and I ran for 5 minutes. The next day I did my normal walk but ran for 5 minutes and walked for 5, alternating over and over. After 1 week of doing this I felt more energy and I was sweating, which is a good thing, especially for someone like me who never really worked up a sweat. I decided to try 10 minutes of running a day, alternating with the walking. This was a commitment for me so I decided to focused on how much I enjoyed moving and being outdoors. I started running on different tracks, through the park and really enjoying nature. I increased slowly, until I could run 15 minutes, then 20, and now I can run for 40 minutes at a stretch. I am grateful for every run I take, I hate rainy days and I look forward to my running so much. I am fitter, slimmer and happier. What happened then?This great change made me feel better about my self and gave me a feeling of confidence, a feeling that I could achieve anything. Now I am eating healthier and drinking more water - no more sodas and the great effects of running have spilled over into all parts of my life. The routine of running has given more structure to my day and because I love doing it I get all the other essentials of the day, like washing and tidying up, done quicker. My head seems clearer and I make decisions more easily and just feel great. I have a clean fridge, with healthy foods, that I love and I rarely eat junk food anymore. I look forward to eating healthy foods that I know will make me feel great and give me the energy to get up, put on my favourite running shoes and get out the door. I feel so much better about myself, I have lost weight and toned up and feel great every single day. So that is how I changed my life with running. Written by Kim Matheson, aged 43 and an ASICS Gel Noosa enthusiast. |
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