Why I Choose to Run

If there is one thing that I’ve learned over the past 14 years, it’s that running is my stress-reliever. I started running when I was a freshman in high school on the track team. I played basketball and my junior year started running cross country as well.

I loved the competitive nature of running, against others and the excitement of beating my own times. Running always gave me a sense of freedom. Once I had put in enough training I knew the rest was mental. If I wanted to finish a race, or PR I had to focus on nothing but breathing and an occasion glance that the clock.

Becoming a collegiate runner was not on my to-do list, yet I ended up running as a way to get in my exercise. I had actually turned down a position on the cross country team before arriving at school, yet was recruited by my RA so strongly I ended up meeting with the coach and becoming part of the team.
I loved the camaraderie of being part of a team, of working towards a common goal and the conversations had while running.

Once I had graduated I again chose running as an outlet for stress and a way to exercise without thinking. I have done many road races and two half marathons, I will be participating in a half marathon this summer and I cannot wait.

One of the hardest things I’ve ever had to make it through in regards to running was taking time off while being pregnant. There was nothing harder for me to hear than that I needed to take months off. I ended up taking nearly 6 months off of running before delivery and then another 6 weeks postpartum while waiting to be cleared by the doctor. When I was finally cleared and I went on my first run I actually SMILED the entire time. It was without a doubt one of the best runs I’ve ever had. Of course it was slow and rough, but it felt so amazing to stretch my legs and get out there!

Here’s the caption of an Instagram post I wrote in January….

A few things I’ve learned since running post baby:

• My body is stronger than I ever thought.
• It is possible to workout after baby.
• Running after delivering a child is life-altering.
• It feels so much different.
• The exercise is good for the body and mind.
• I’m worth taking time for myself to exercise.