Why I love to run

People are always telling me that I must keep in such good shape running after my kids.(and just so you know I am not in the best shape in the world;)

This is just not true.

Taking care of my kids is a lot of work and I am sure I must burn a few calories constantly picking up after them, but at the end of the day I am zapped of all energy and am not kept in shape by being exhausted by them.

Getting out and running and working out, is what helps me burn calories, keeps me energized and still helps me to fit in my clothes after 5 kids.

I started running when I was around 20. I would run a few laps around my neighborhood and call it a day. Then I started going to a local park that had a mile loop. I started out really slow and slowly but surely made it a whole mile without stopping.

It was hard work.

I didn't love it right away.

I learned a lot about perseverance and keeping my eye on the goal.

Running did not come easy, but over time I have come to absolutely love running.

Here are a few reasons why:

It gets me out of the house

Sometimes I just need a break from my kids, my house and all the noise and chaos. Running forces me to get out of the house, get some fresh air, quiet my soul and helps me to feel more prepared to face whatever the day holds.

It doesn't take that long

I don't have a lot of free time at my disposal. I only have a certain amount of time before my husband leaves for work that I can get out. Depending how fast I am going I can sometimes run out the door and get two miles in around my neighborhood in about 18 minutes or less. If I want to get more miles in I either wake up earlier or go when I know my husband doesn't have to be to work early.

It doesn't require a lot of equipment

All you need to run is some good running shoes and workout clothes. I like to take my ishuffle or phone to track my pace and miles and listen to my favorite music. That is it.

It's free

Though running shoes can be expensive, considering how many miles you can put into them and that you don't have to pay a fee to run outside; I would say running is comparatively free.

It clears my mind, helps me focus and alleviates stress

Running is not the answer to freeing me completely from worry or stress but when I am going through a hard time, it sure helps me get to a better place. As I run I feel my worries dissipate and my mind cleared. Running is proven to release endorphins and leave you feeling happier, more focused and clear headed.(source)

It leaves me feeling energized, motivated and renewed

Instead of feeling tired and drained after running, I feel the opposite. I come home energized to take on the day, motivated to do what lies before me and my mind and soul renewed.

It's my favorite time to spend in worship and prayer with the Lord

Ever since I started running, I pray as I run. I get easily distracted when I try to pray while sitting. My mind wanders and it's hard for me to focus. But when I am out running I somehow am able to tune into the Lord and not get distracted. I also love to listen to my favorite worship songs; worshipping the Lord as my legs run to the beat. I honestly get so pumped up and excited as I move to the music and sing the words in my heart; taking hold of God's promises and claiming them for the prayers and burdens on my heart. Running to music always helps me go faster than I normally would.

It leaves me in awe of God

I know everyone has different times that work best for them to exercise or run. For me it's in the morning before everyone is awake and even before the sun has risen. I am blessed to live in a peninsula within the peninsula of Florida. I can see the sun rising on one side of our city and then go see the sun set on the other side. My favorite place to run is downtown on the water. I try to time it so that I can see the sun rising as I am running.

My breath is always taken away as I see the golden orb rise into the sky, spreading so many beautiful lights and colors through the clouds and sky. I usually have to stop, take a few pictures and take it all in. God always brings scriptures to my mind as I gaze on his glorious handiwork and meditate on his goodness.

I usually take my camera and snap some pics before of after my run. You can check out some of my sunrise pictures on my instagram account. The picture here is one I took.(Though it looks like me running;)

Of course you can stand in awe of God's creation without running, but it really is special when you are out running in it; becoming apart of it.

It can be a great time of solitude or fellowship

I am always around my own people all day, so I personally prefer anytime that I can get alone by myself to just think... or not think. Like I said earlier I also love making running part of my time with the Lord. Just me and him. But I also really enjoy when I can run with a friend. It always goes by so fast and is a great time to catch up while getting some miles in. I am blessed to have some friends that run about the same pace as myself so it's not awkward. Otherwise it can be really uncomfortable to run with someone who is either faster or slower than you.

It's great for accomplishing goals

The great thing about running is that you can do it at your own pace and go as far as you want. Not only is running a great way to lose weight and burn calories but it also builds your stamina and heart rate. I love being able to set goals for myself and go a little bit farther and a little bit faster each time. I have found that setting goals for myself has been a great motivation to helping stay fit.

I have signed for many races over the years and there is nothing like having that goal in front of me to get me going further and faster than I normally would. I have taken part in many 5ks and a few 10ks and also a half marathon. I am still contemplating a full marathon. Someday I would like to do a sprint triathlon. In my season of life I am needed a lot at home, so right now I do what I can and am thankful for how often I am able to get out.

Foremost my main goal is to seek Christ first and as I do that everything else will fall into it's rightful place...even running.

Do you love/hate running? 

Linking up here!