Not Born to Run

I hate to run.

I use the word “run” super liberally, most of you could walk faster than I run. Unfortunately for me though, running is what my body is responding to, so I run. The truth is there are 2 responses from my body – smaller hip fat (win!) but greater knee and foot aches (lose). Why can’t this be a win-win?! Possibly because I’m getting older…sigh.

This summer I was introduced to the Couch to 5K Running Plan and it’s been a program I’ve been able to stick with. I’ve gone from huffing and puffing after 60 seconds of running (not kidding) to last week running 30 minutes straight for the first time in my life! (Though the plan would have me at 3 miles in 30 minutes, I am not there yet – my pace is too slow for a 10 minute mile, I’m more like a 13 minute mile – which I’m proud of.)

Whether running or going to an exercise class at the Y, I know this is true – my body, my mind and even my spirit just work better when I’m exercising. I’m happier, (maybe because my clothes are no longer digging into my waist!) more confident, stronger, less tired and more alert. My complexion seems to be a little brighter, I naturally eat less junky stuff and drink more water.

I’ve never been one of those women who could eat anything they wanted and not gain weight – instead I’ve been one of those women who gain weight while smelling brownies baking in the oven. (OK, so the brownies in the oven might also have something to do with it.) About ten years ago I shed fifty of the pounds I accumulated while producing 3 children over 7 1/2 years – and since I still have twenty more pounds to get rid of, coupled with the fact that I’m forty-seven (and let’s not forget about those brownies!), I will keep running until it’s too cold and then I will go back to the Y.

I’m really, really not a fan of exercise, maybe I’ll never be someone who enjoys it. But I will stay disciplined because exercise, though painful, is really, really good for me in many ways. (And, even if I never lose the last twenty pounds, at least I won’t put on twenty more pounds!)

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11