Guest Post: Finding Inspiration While Training

Hellloooooooo! I’m still staying busy in Utah, enjoying catching up with old friends and lots of lounging around too. It’s been perfect. Today I’m handing the blog over to Ashley from Everyday Inspirations. We went to high school but recently reconnected through the good ol’ blog world. In fact, we had coffee together a few days ago. She is truly a wonderful woman.  She and a friend started Everyday Inspiration to try to find joy in every day. From reading her blog and especially after our coffee date, I’m inspired to be kinder,  be more grateful, be more loving, and live more in the moment. I know you’ll enjoy her post today.

 Finding Inspiration While Training

Until I was in my 20s, the last thing I ever wanted to do was go running. I even remember spending months in elementary school working through a traumatic experience known as the “Fun Run.” Something changed for me when I was 23. Buoyed by great examples set by a few of my close friends and by conversations with my dad, I decided I wanted to train for a race.

I had never run a real race before (that Fun Run didn’t count), but for some reason I decided my first would be the Salt Lake half marathon. (What can I say? I started big.) The months I spent training for that event were some of the most eye-opening of my life. The experience was incredible, inspirational, and — dare I say the ‘s’ word? Spiritual. Not in a religious way, but in a way that made me understand the ability and potential of the human body. I ran across that finish line with a new love for myself built completely on personal accomplishment. Since that first half, I’ve gone on to complete a second and a 10K, and plan to run my third half marathon in spring 2011.

Posing with my dad after the Salt Lake half marathon in 2009 (left) and 2010 (right). My dad is one of the biggest reasons I decided to start running. Half marathons have become a special part of our relationship.

Like many people, I run to stay in shape, but I don’t train for more than one or two races a year. Instead, I work on staying healthy and maintaining my fitness level between major runs. Throughout the year, I chat with people about my experience and usually discover that many are interested in training. However, quite a few of them begin sentences, “I would train, but….”

I remember saying things like that. For years. But now I believe that if you have ever thought about running a race (for any reason), you should. It’s tough, time consuming, and takes a lot of dedication and drive, but it’s worth it. Here are a few reasons why:

You will discover yourself. Sometimes it’s easier to assume you can’t do it something rather than trying, but why do that to yourself? It’s time to stop those sabotaging thoughts (examples: “I can’t,” “I’m too slow,” or “I’m not dedicated enough”). I think of all those years I told myself I wasn’t a runner and how grateful I am that I threw negative thinking by the wayside and start making dreams happen. Working toward a goal that takes that much discipline, focus, and mental and physical strength will teach you a lot about who you are and will improve your entire life.

You will gain an insane amount of respect and appreciation for your body. The most amazing thing I experienced, especially while training for my first half marathon, is feeling my body become stronger. It’s incredible. In training, you’ll crush your “I can’t” excuses and become inspired like never before. This feeling is what keeps me coming back. I love being one with my body and watching myself succeed. That kind of success is what humans were built to experience.

 With two of my girls after the 2009 race.

You will become healthier. I have had asthma almost my whole life and it was a big contributor to the “I’m not a runner” attitude I had for years. When I finally decided I was going to run a half marathon, I simply stopped letting asthma define me. And guess what? My condition improved dramatically. My lungs were stronger and I felt incredible. This, on top of all the added benefits of being a runner: a tighter, more toned body; improved stamina; and an overall feeling of well being. Once you get your body in peak physical condition, it’s hard to justify your old excuses or habits that are bad for you. You realize you deserve better.

 I don’t have a lot of photos of me actually running, but there are a lot of celebratory post-race images. Me with the cute BF, Dan, after the 2010 race. He is one of my best supporters — AND my 2011 training buddy.

If I’ve learned anything over my time as a runner, it is that our bodies were built to continuously inspire us… if we let them. Miracles don’t just happen on a basketball court or football field for big-name athletes. They happen every day, on streets around the world, in hearts just like yours.

What inspires you to stay fit?

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Thank you SO much Ashley!!! <3

Tagged as: guest posts, running