4 years ago I started a journey that changed my life in more ways than I ever thought possible. Ever since Kyle and I got married he had begged me to go running with him, and I just didn't want to do it. It wasn't something that interested me because it just seemed so tedious.
After we moved from North Carolina to Texas, I saw an advertisement for a mud run and I thought okay this sounds fun, let's do it. Well, that event changed everything for me. I realized that running wasn't boring and that I actually enjoyed it. I mean who wouldn't like running through muddy obstacles and ending up like this:
After that race, I started running on a regular basis and made it a point to take that time as a way to focus on me. It was free therapy and also a way for me to lose weight. I was still struggling with significant weight gain from fertility treatments and I had a horrible body image. It helped me lose 50 pounds and finally have confidence again.
Since that race 4 years ago, running has continued to be my therapy and it has allowed us to participate in some pretty amazing events. We have met some wonderful people along the way and it is such a supportive community. I never imagined that this one race would lead to 71 total races and thousands of miles.
I ran until I was 36 weeks pregnant with E and I always chuckled at the funny looks I got from people, but at the same time it made me feel pretty awesome.
I have dealt with injuries and pain along the way but I have done my best to listen to my body and not push it when I need to rest. Dealing with my back problems earlier this year was difficult but I knew I had to just take it easy.
I also realized how my body has changed after having E, including my feet (which is something no one ever told me lol). I have been a Saucony fan since I was fitted back in El Paso but my shoes were killing me. I got refitted yesterday and went with Brooks this time. It's important to invest in good shoes, I never realized how critical this is.
I love being able to lace up my shoes and zone out for a few miles. Some days I run solo, sometimes it's me and E, and sometimes we go on family runs.
I don't run with music so taking in all the sights and sounds is one of my favorite things. I have to be able to hear what is going on around me. I am so grateful that I found this outlet that has allowed me to just decompress and relax. It has changed me in more ways than I could have ever imagined. I'm not the fastest runner but that's okay, speed has never been my overall goal.
What do you do to relax and recharge?
