I’ve always hated running. Even more than that, I’ve always hated "enduring" anything — whether it be a situation, an emotion or a relationship that needed to end. In a moment of insanity, I started combining these two hatreds, running and enduring, and I’m a new woman because of it. Last October I started running regularly and it’s been one of the most inspiring, motivating, loving teachers I’ve ever had. Here's why I love it, and how it can be yours too.
1. It allows you to physically step out of your comfort zone.
I
get my best ideas when I am running, specifically when I'm kicking my
own ass. The more I push myself out of my physical comfort zone, the
more my brain and emotions want to move out of theirs, too. Our bodies
and brains are intricately connected, always influencing one another.
Use it to your advantage!
2. You get "off the grid."
When
I start relying too much on the times my GPS watch or run-tracker app
feeds me, I ditch the damn thing. Stop allowing things or people measure
your worth. The more we look for outside validation, the weaker our
internal system becomes. If you don’t practice listening to yourself,
you’ll forget how.
3. It'll change the way you talk to yourself.
I
just ran my first half marathon in March. Usually when I am running, I
swear at myself to push harder (is that weird?) but it wasn’t working
for this long, hilly race. Instead, I started tenderly complimenting myself(is
this weirder?). I distinctly remember saying, "Come on Tory, you little
love muffin, you’re unstoppable. Keep going!" If you’d be uncomfortable
saying harsh things to someone else to motivate them, why would you
feel comfortable saying mean things to yourself?
4. Upgrade your community to upgrade your life.
In October 2014, I started doing free outdoor workouts with November Project,
exercising outside every Wednesday and Friday, regardless of weather,
at 5:28 and 6:28AM. I've found that people usually come for the
exercise, but stay for the community. These loving, hugging, positive
strangers were my lifeline during a harsh, frigid winter. Considering
you’re the average of the people you spend time with most, you should
probably pick people who motivate you to get out there, regardless of
the weather.
5. You drop self-imposed limitations.
For
the past 10 years, I’ve run three miles at a specific pace for my
workouts. I accepted I wasn’t a "real’ runner, and was satisfied with my
jogs. In January, I built up the courage to run with a friend who's
incredibly fast. Next thing I knew, I had run six miles at a pace much
faster than I was used to. Many times, our limits are only the ones
we’ve self-imposed. Change your mind, change your life.
6. A high-five can change the world.
As a self-described introvert
living in NYC, I often keep to myself. I remember showing up to the
first workout with November Project and absolutely dreading that I'd
have to open up and give morning greetings and hugs. Something I could
do, though, was give a silent high-five while running past the other
participants. High-fives became my gateway drug to connection, and now I
look forward to the morning greetings. In fact, I'm now known as the
girl who gives the best hugs! I also now constantly high-five random
strangers in Central Park as well ... whoops!
7. You don’t have to know what to say.
Some
of my best runs have been in silence with a friend. Though we aren’t
speaking, the presence is supportive enough. Without the verbal
communication, we have the space and awareness to read each other’s
physical cues. Sometimes just being there is the best way to support
someone you care about.
8. But when you do, shout it.
When
you do know what to say, say it with vigor! Why do we waste so much
energy worrying about being overly supportive or loving? During races, I
compliment and encourage strangers the whole way. If you’ve got love to
spread, spread it thick.
9. Pace doesn’t matter.
Some
days you’re fast, some days you feel slow. Whatever. Some people are
still in bed, you’re moving much faster than they are. Getting up and
moving towards your goals is the only thing that matters.
10. Earth is your playground.
It took me eight years to finally see
and appreciate New York City. I couldn’t truly enjoy it until I
actually stepped outside and made an effort — what a concept! Wherever
you may be, you’re incredibly lucky to be experiencing this place we
call home. You’re never too old to get outside and enjoy the simple
pleasure of existing.
By Tory Dube
Sourse:mindbodygreen.com
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