You are awesome, believe it

0

This has been weighing on me lately.

All you new runners so down on yourself. Calling yourself a jogger, not a real runner, too slow, too much weight to lose, taking walk breaks, having a entire litany of excuses of why you don’t fit this perceived notion of what a runner is.

Look, I am about to get real with all of you.

When I started running, I ran 13 minute miles. Now, I run 11-12 minute miles. I need to lose 20lbs. I take walk breaks every single run. I only run three days a week during training season, sometimes less during the Summer. I detest the heat, love to wear sparkly skirts when I run, and sometimes, my body hurts after my runs, even 3.5 years after I started this journey.

Really.

I am not perfect. I am just like you. I am inspired by those who have a faster pace than me. I will never ever be able to run in just a sports bra and shorts, EVER. I have gone to the gym with a pair of extra undies sticking out from my shorts. I have peed in the bushes off a running trail. I have almost crapped my pants during a run. I have wanted to throw in the towel back during my first half marathon training season. I have compared myself to EVERY single person that appears to be faster/leaner/prettier than me.

BUT,

Things have changed the longer I have run. I became comfortable in my own running skin. I accept what my body is able to give me. I am grateful and appreciative of every single run. I applaud those who are speedy, lean, and freaking bad-ass on the trail/road/race. They are awesome.

BUT,

So am I.

If you are new to running and even if you aren’t, pick your training plan, put on your running shoes, and JUST RUN. DO IT. Walk when you need to. Commit to your plan and then work it. Don’t give up on you. You just may be surprised at what you can achieve. The only thing holding you back is you. Surround yourself with those who will encourage, motivate and support you. This journey can be hard at times, especially when muscles are aching, or your brain is telling you *that you can’t do this* or worse yet, a family member tells you verbally *you can’t do that*. Come back to this wonderful community at Shrinking Jeans and let us support you. I am 100% certain I would have given up running back in the beginning if it han’t been for the wonderful, supportive ladies around this ‘hood.

You are awesome.

Believe it.

Run.

Do it.

(Visited 14 times, 1 visits today)