Hump Day Giveaway: Your Running Feeling?
Not as good as Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus, but it works here.
As SBS and I were writing RLAM, I couldn’t wait to get to chapter 26. Not because I wanted to be done–o.k., maybe just a little bit–but because I knew, after reading about five of the 150+ surveys from running moms around the country, exactly how the book should end. The response I was inevitably drawn to read first on every survey was the answer to this fill-in-the-blank statement: When I run, I feel….
The answers in the book, if you (ahem) have not read them, ranged from expanded to complete to powerful and beautiful to better than I did before. As anybody who lives with ankle-biters or runs knows intimately, feelings change frequently. One mile, you feel kick-ass and the next? Slightly kicked in the ass, but proud you powered through. One route makes you calm, another energizes you. One day you’re speedy; the next, you’re sexy; the next, you’re satisfied. Although the result of a run is never a consistent feeling, it is reliably positive. And that, I’m fairly sure, is why most of us lace up day after day. (And that is the sentiment on which we wanted to end RLAM.)
Unless you’ve been living among the Tarahumara Indians lately, you know that barefoot/natural running is setting the running world all atwitter these days. I’ve never gone free willlies, but I have run in Five Fingers. And here’s how I felt: grounded. Not in the help-I’m-traveling-with-toddlers-and-this-freakin-plane-is-five-hours-late way, but the basic, invaluable way in which I was reminded in simple, helpful terms of how my body was built to run and how it moves through space.
When you sense the ground underneath you, whether you’re barefoot, in leather-laced sandals, Five Fingers or racing flats, you land lighter and don’t take your joints for granted. Your balance is better, your form tightens up and you remove any clod from your hop.
If these don't summon a distinct feeling, I'm not sure what would.
So what’s your current running word(s)? Let us know–and your next words just might be barefoot and pink.
p.s. Also, if you haven’t become a fan of Run Like A Mother on Facebook, would you mind doing so? Gracias.
another mother runner 
Running makes me feel like I can let go. Whether it’s letting go of my daughter’s bedwetting or my husbands daily inability to get the clothes INTO the hamper, running helps me shake the small stuff. When an inlaw, who will remain nameless, makes me want to scream and drink cocktails before noon, running reminds me of more impotant battles. When I get caught up in trying to be so many things for so many people, running helps me let go and just be me.
Running makes me feel proud and strong and accomplished and energized and somehow has me feeling better about myself, physically and mentally (even after gaining five pounds this summer). Running lets me feel as competitive as I WANT to feel, because really I am only competing with numbers in my head. Running helps me feel like I can still grow and that I can still improve (in so many ways), and growing and improving feels so good to me. Running helps me feel like mountains are molehills and that I can conquer them literally and figuratively.
Running makes me feel like a super hero. I feel like I can accomplish anything. Part of that is from my own blood, sweat, and tears and part is from my friends and family. My 3 and 2 year old think every single runner out there is “mommies friend” (gotta admit, nice feeling) and I have motivated 4 friends plus my husband into running. Friends with the whole running world and kicking coach potatoes in the butt? Superhero!
Running makes me feel grateful, in more ways than I can count.
Running makes me feel….carefree.
Running is my drug of choice. It sedates me, doesn’t leave me saddle sore (like my bike does), and takes me away from real life. It is my chance to be selfish and self absorbed. It is an emotional outlet and helps to improve my health. (All those runners who are older then me and still improving, and healthy, and good looking, are my inspiration)
its something that I never thought I would or could do. i remember running around my neighborhood, it’s the perfect 5k and coming home and telling my husband “i’m a runner now” that was three years ago. i have run a dozen half marathons, limped through one marathon and i am currently training for another and i can add triathlete to all of this. And there is speed in my legs that has never been there before. Running is my mental health break for the day.
Running is my SOMETHING. You know how they say everyone has SOMETHING they are good at or something they really like doing!! Well I searched and searched for 30yr s to find My SOMETHING. Though for me its more something I love doing than something I am good at!! Running for me is always a accomplishment whether it be 5 or 15 miles. I can say “Hey I did something for me today”.
Running (again, after a three year hiatus) makes me feel STRONG and in control of my body. I stopped running a few years ago after I was diagnosed with a bulging disc in my neck. My arm was numb when I ran, and I was told that the pounding was worsening my condition. I discovered yoga, which has been spiritually and physically renewing for me. But my symptoms grew worse and worse. Eventually, the doctor found a huge mass of stuff in my chest, which turned out to be a benign lipoma that filled the cavity between my left clavicle and my left breast, even wrapping around and above the clavicle. I had that growth removed in October 2009. In the meantime, my body began to betray me as I entered perimenopause. Nothing felt right, nothing was predictable, I really didn’t know where this body came from because it certainly didn’t feel like mine. I decided that after completing the Avon Two Day Walk in May, I would start to run again. It was hard, huffing and puffing after only 8 minutes or so, even though I had just trained to walk 1-1/2 marathons. Then I discovered your book, and I discovered a 5K training progam, and here I am. I now run between three and four miles three times per week, in minimalist shoes. I feel the earth, I’m getting to know my body, my muscles are toned–I’m experiencing that runner’s high just writing these words. And, I have twice seen a Little Blue Heron while on my runs (in the city), so that’s a bonus!
Running makes me feel….. sometimes like i want to cry at km 8 of a 16 km run then the next week that same spot in the road makes me feel so proud that my chest is going to explode and my cheeks hurt from smiling. Running makes me happy that I live in a small town with a winter population of less than 1000 people and should anything happen to me on my run I can stop anywhere and whoever it is will look after me. Running makes me forget the crap day I’ve had and helps me get through the next one. Running makes me giggle when my husband tries to beat me on the last 50 meters of our “fun” run. Running makes me feel lucky because I have the best running mates that range from the two year old in the stroller to the retired couple that stop every Sunday after the Clampett run to see how we all did. Clampett run= Babies, teens, pre-teens, kids, friends random kids from our village, friends that find our entourage amusing and of course RMs and RDs . OH ya and to top it all off I wear Vibrams so you can imagine i felt a little silly in my Gorilla feet 😀
Running makes me feel like I can’t just handle the chaos of motherhood but that I can do something to make it better.
Running is necessity-to take off weight, to take away stress, to take my mind from cluttered to clear… I need it.
Running is my sanity. It is the best way I have found to deal with stress. A run followed by a glass of wine (after re-hydrating of course) is possibly one of the most relaxing things ever. Which brings me to…
My word?
Rungover: Running after imbibing one too many glasses the night before.
Suzanne I love your word Rungover and will definitely be borrowing it!
Had a few of those!
running makes me feel joyful. I am returning to running after knee surgery. Even a “bad” run is a good run when you thought you might never be able to run again.
Running makes me feel: energized, strong, balanced and fit. It can reduce my stress when I have had a bad day or give me a good start in the morning. I feel good about working my body, building my muscles and strengthening my heart. I went to the doctor the other day and he took my blood pressure. He looked at the results and said “Do you run? Your numbers are great.”
It made my day!
confused…that’s how i feel about running right now. just got diagnosed with a stress fracture for the second time. i thought i was doing everything right this time, though. increased mileage slowly, changed gait & shoes, not overdoing it…what gives?!?!
Amanda,
That’s really unfortunate! Have you looked at your diet? If you aren’t giving your body the nutrients it needs to rebuild your bones and muscles from the exertion and physical stress of running, it can’t heal itself.
If you haven’t already, you might look up “Nourishing Traditions” by Mary Enig and Sally Fallon, “Good Calories, Bad Calories” by Gary Taubes, or “Primal Blueprint” by Mark Sisson. They are all pieces of the puzzle that is optimum health.
Best wishes,
Angela
Running makes me feel powerful, beautiful and free (much like I did in college before the reality of grown-up life set in).
You are powerful, beautiful & free!
Running makes me feel alive within my own body. There is something about really using your body: feeling your muscles warm, your heart speed up, the air rushing in and out that makes you aware that you are a physical being. I spend far too much time in a windowless office sitting in front of a computer (or in a conference room) at work, so it’s my chance for body freedom. Plus there is the bonus of no 2 year old hanging around my neck. 🙂
Running makes me feel sane and strong. During the week it is how I clear my head after a stressful day. On the weekends it is how I start the day and makes everything that i do after that so much better. Its the time where I can just be me- not mom not a wife not a part of a work team, I am just me. It constantly challeneges me- can I go longer, faster…..what will the next race be, there is awlays another goal to keep me going.Even when I don’t feel like going I never regret taking the run.
Running makes me feel relaxed. When I’m in a stressful situation, I will often imagine myself out on a trail, pushing my way up a hill, feeling powerful, and it will help me through.
As my three daughters say, “Mom is running away now”—(I run in the evening) which in essense is true. I feel when I run a sense of freedom, peace, and calm. I used to be a morning runner, but after having kids, getting to bed late, waking up numerous times in the night, I have “converted” to an evening runner. I often feel overworked, overtired and mentally fried, but there is something about running in the evening that clears my head– I laugh at the days events, wonder if I said the right thing to the kids at certain times, think of a cold drink after a run, but its almost cleansing. But probably one of the best things of running at night, I won’t feel guilty about the massive amount of chocolate I consumed that day as my tranquilizer….
Running makes me feel proud!! Proud, because I never thought I could do it, but I pushed through – and now I am a runner.
Also, proud because I started a Walk to Run group in my rural area as a fundraiser to raise money for a 60km Weekend to End Women’s Cancers walk in Toronto. Just a couple of days ago, I reached my goal of $2000, which is such a relief and makes me so happy! I’m training for my first half-marathon, and have also raised $350 for the Canadian Diabetes Association from my Walk to Run group!!
But, even better is sharing my love of running with the ladies in the group – 90% mothers! I think it’s amazing that they are committed to coming out 3 evenings per week, taking that time for themselves, and their health, and working towards running 5k!
Running makes me feel….
surprising – no one would imagine this short, overweight mom of 4 is a runner, but I am.
strong – my big ol’ legs carry me for miles
disciplined – who the heck gets up at 5 to run in the dark and the rain
happy – I can do it, and I hope I can encourage other unlikely athletes to do it, too
Love this Tracy! I could have written this myself word-for-word!!! (well okay except the “mom of 4” part – I just got the one)
Running for the first time as an adult… it makes me feel Hopeful. I haven’t always treated my body the way I should have, I have carried 3 babies in it, and I have overindulged in foods that were not meant for fuel but rather pleasure. It is teaching me that it is okay to take time for me. It is making me realize that I can’t only live for my family, but I have to live for myself too.
Running has made me feel GRATEFUL! It has become my only outlet and the only thing I really do (consistently) for myself. I am GRATEFUL for it. Since I’m also a multi-tasker, I am GRATEFUL that it helps me mentally and physically, at the same time.
I also am GRATEFUL that it has given my family a common interest. My family enjoys traveling around the midwest and discovering new things becasue of our “destination races”. It’s also a great way to spend time with my family. My children love to go running with me on the treadmill or outside. My daughter loves to ride her bike along side me. I am recently most GRATEFUL, because she was riding her bike with me on Sunday and was hit by a car while I was running behind her. I am GRATEFUL that she is ok (barely scratched or bruised — her helmet and bike: not so lucky). I am GRATEFUL that she wants to get back on that bike and go running with me again, because she enjoys that time together as much as I do!!!
Running makes a better wife and mother! Reduces the stress, gives me time for me, and makes me feel better about my body!
Running makes me feel good in a world where so few things do.
This is really powerful
Ok, we’ve decided to make the leap and buy my 11 and 9 (on Friday!) year old daughters a pair of Vibrams each; they’re both on the cross country team here…but the VFFs will have to wait till next month’s budget allows. I asked my eldest “describe, in one word, your running. Not running in general, but YOUR running. What word would you use to describe it?”
She thought a second’s worth and spouted “terrible!” Then chuckled “just kidding! Um can I think about it?”
That about sums up her feelings about running right now as the heat of Texas summer is on it’s second wind and not promising to cool down anytime soon! Both girls have just been signed up for another season, and they’re so looking forward to the Five Fingers – a free pair would seriously make my day! 😉
Running makes me feel strong and healthy, and like I’ve accomplished something important for the day – taking care of myself.
Running makes me feel strong and competent and free. When I run I think more clearly, can face anything and everything better and feel competent and joyful.
I know a lot of people run to let go, run to be free… but I run to take over. When I run, I feel in control. I control my pace, I control my direction, I control when I quit (OK, only sometimes I control when I quit, usually weather, darkness, work schedules, hockey schedules or nap schedules control that). When I’m not running I often feel lost, unable to control my life. I can’t control clients. I can’t control a two-year-old. I can’t control in-laws or neighbors. I don’t even think I can control the growth of dust bunnies, dirty dishes, piles of dog fur in the corners, stacks of bills or overgrowth of weeds between flowers and berry bushes. And in a life with an autoimmune disorder, I often feel I cannot control my health. I can’t control how I feel… until I tie on my shoes. Then I can take over. I’m not unbelievably tired because my uncontrollable metabolism says so. I’m tired because I put everything I could into a 5 mile run. I’m not sore because my joints are swollen and aching. I’m sore because I ran up a steep hill 2 more times than I did last week. I run to take over. When I run, and only when I run, I am in control of my world.
After a run a feel CAPABLE and PROUD. I guess a run also makes me feel CALM, since I sure as heck am not on the days that I don’t!
Lastly, I feel AMAZED at myself and my accomplishments. I started running years ago, barely 30 seconds at at a time at first, which led to knee surgery – so I stopped. I started again, which led to PT -so I stopped. And so on and so on, until I thought I’d stopped for good. I discovered a love for cycling and yoga and life was good. Until, I on a whim signed up for a duathlon and immediately had a total “Oh Sh*t” moment – I have to run! So I started slowly, kept cycling and yoga and now I’ve been running injury free for 3 years – which I attribute completely to cycling and yoga (and the loss of a few pounds along the way)
It sounds trite, but running makes me feel: happy. With two extremely busy teenagers at home, there is so much going on in my life that is somewhat out of my control — band schedules, athletics schedules, puberty mood swings, my babies turning into adults right before my eyes — but when I run it’s just me, completely present in my body, listening to my favorite tunes and going to my happy place! It’s like my daily vacation from reality!
My running word lately: Sluggish – but after all is said and done it is: Satisfied.
Abbey, I totally agree!
running is a huge part of my identity. when people see me they say “how’s the running?” or “do you have any races coming up?” I love that. Being a stay at home mom, it’s so nice to have something that is all mine, it’s not about my kids or my husband or decorating my house…it’s just MY time, MY space, MY strength. Me time at it’s best.
My running word this days is grateful, after spending time with a running friend that is now permamently wheelchair bound. Am grateful, am able to go out my door or to my basement and run, regardless of how slow I am, able to leave my worries and stress behind while I remember to hold my core in, lean forward, not land on my heel and all the other running forms am suppose to be following. Extremely grateful for life’s little pleasures.
Right now, I’m sad to say it makes me feel DEFEATED and ALONE. My running group (and only adult social interaction) of about two years somehow simultaneously scattered, leaving me without regular running buddies while trying to build up mileage for a marathon. For the past two years, I’ve jumped eagerly out of bed to meet these women for a run, and now I don’t look forward to the runs as much or, truthfully, at all. One other runner remains, but, while she’s an inspiring, encouraging woman whose friendship I cherish, her pace is a full 3 minutes faster than mine, so every run with her feels simultaneously like (1) a cherished gift she’s giving me out of kindness and pity and (2) a gut wrenching death march. I should be running instead of writing this, but the call of the empty morning road isn’t as loud or convincing when it isn’t generated by those loudmouth friends in running gear.
Running makes me feel….. strong and balanced. There has never been any sort of sport that has given me the pleasure of running. I’ve found it makes me feel proud of myself for making a PR and my children are proud too. I have toyed with the idea of stopping because scheduling the time to train for long distances is never easy, however I am never able to do it, because I know I would miss it terribly.
Running makes me feel DAZZLED in so many ways:
1. DAZZLED and shocked that I am capable of doing so much. I ran track in high school in college, but anything over 300m hurdles was considered punishment to me. To run my first 5K, then 10K and now I’m training for my first 1/2 marathon is crazy for me to even think of! I can hardly wrap my head around the fact that I’m capable of running an entire 13.1m!
2. DAZZLING is the way I feel like this new body looks (well, most days, at least!). It’s awesome to be comfortable in my skinny(ish) jeans again or to wear things that I pushed to the back of my closet a year ago.
3. Able to DAZZLE others. Just this week, the girl that babysits our daughter asked me if I could help her be able to run the whole race for her upcoming cross country season. And the high school track coach, who is a friend of our family’s, told me I need to hurry and finish my teacher certification because his track team needs a “real runner” (his words! GASP!) as a girl’s coach!
4. DAZZLED everyday by other runners, just like all us RLAMs. When I’m running a race and get passed by someone I know has 4 kids and a full-time job or a 60-year old with knee problems, even though I’m only 27 and healthy with one child and a part-time job, I’m amazed to see how capable others are…and how capable I can be as well!
Running makes me feel balanced. I can deal with the frustrations of the day when I run, because it helps me blow off steam. It also gives me time to process things and put it all into perspective. When I do longer races, I run for Team Fox. Parkinsons patients can’t run, but I can run to raise awareness and to help raise funds to help find a cure!
Running makes me feel balanced… I spend most of my day doing stuff for other people, so when I can start off the day with a good run, I feel like I have treated myself and I am then ready to take on the rest of the day.
Prayerful. Thankful. Lit…not like drunk at a Christmas party, but lit like a flame…focused, to be sure. There is a first step and a last step, right, ladies? Just knowing that I have 5 miles waiting for me today – breezy, rainy, 80 degrees, overcast, makes me SALIVATE!!!! I can’t wait to get out there! Anyone who has never run in the rain, give it a try! It’s divine. Oooh, there’s a good word. Okay, that’s my word…divine. Peace, y’all. Okay, peaceful, and that’s it.
Running makes me feel strong! It makes a better person in every aspect of my life. I teaches me to respect my bodies limitations (I got mono this summer and am still only about 80%) but then to rejoice and thank God when I can finally reach a new goal. And the great thing about running is that there is always a new goal/race to conquer!
Running makes me feel like me. Not a wife, or a cook, or a chauffeur, or a nurse, or a maid, or even a mother. It lets me strip off the duties that I deal with everyday and leaves me free to think and be me, whatever my core being feels like being that day. It’s a good thing.
Running makes me feel the perfect hybrid of feelings: high as a kite and grounded in the most pleasant reality all at the same time. Even through the most difficult uphill miles, last several minutes miles and initial getting my groove back miles, there is an overwhelming sense of accomplishment found with each and every run. Even at 34 weeks pregnant, I still crave the post-run feeling and am hoping to pass along the love to my daughter in utero!
Running- wow! It has changed my life (mentally and physically). Physically, since I started running 2.5 years ago I have lost 40lbs (without doing much more than moving my feet one in front of the other). Mentally, it is my escape, my drug. I have found lately when life gets tough, stressful, kids running amuck- all I want to do is run!!! Not literally run away but go for a run. I found that that is what I need- some need food, drinks, drugs, you name it- I need to break a sweat. Just get into “me” time and let the world go away (or fly under my feet).
I have also found that running makes me a more efficient person/ better mom. Running is something that I WANT (need) so in order to not feel guilty about going running 4 days a week I need to make sure that I have everything done in the house and all the kids taken care of. Man, I sit back now and look back to before I started running, what did I do with my time??? Also, when it comes to my kids I think it is important for them too- not only do they see that I have made health and fitness a priority but it also shows them that even as moms and dads we can have good days/ bad days but we still have our goal in mind. We still have to work for what we want. They see us struggle through injures but we still dont give up!!!!
Running also has yielded me some fantastic fantastic friendship- thanks to everyone on here. Thank you Dimity and SBS
Running- ‘ R’esilient, ‘U’nderstanding, ‘N’ervous, ‘N’utrition, ‘I”nsane, ‘N”ourishment, ‘G’rateful (7words)
i have a sort of running mantra that i use when the going gets tough. it’s sort of a long series of things that i tell myself to make it through in anticipation of the difficulties i will experience in my first marathon, the nike women’s, in october. the two words that mean the most to me though and that work perfecting with every footfall are “focused” and “free”. that’s what i really feel when i’m out there…focused and wonderfully free. rejoicing in a body that works when i ask it to and even when i’m not at all in the mood for supid, i-hate-it-not-another-damn-mile, running.
Running makes me feel strong, confident in my ability as a woman to complete any task I undertake, and happy to be in my skin, running with my feet, my legs, my muscles.
Lately, running makes me feel like a bad ass (sorry–not sure if that is one word or two!!). I’m training for my first marathon, and despite the fact that the heat and humidity are making many of my runs seem from hell lately, I still feel totally completely bad ass to be training for a marathon. It feels amazing to be working toward such a huge goal and more amazing still to know that I’m juggling two kids, two jobs, a husband, and a dog in order to get it done.
I’m definitely not the fastest runner out there, but lately that doesn’t matter anymore. To quote Pink, “So what? I’m still a rock star.”
My current runs have become a LESSON OF PATIENCE. They have been really hard and testing my perseverance. Instead of giving up I’m learning to be patient.
Running makes me feel proud. It’s amazing how after 8 years I’m still amazed that I can run and with each step I take it’s a reminder that I can do more than I ever dreamed.
Running is something that takes every once of motivation I have to get out there in the early mornings. But once I am out there and running, I really feel free. It sometimes feels (on a good run) that every layer of me (my “mother layer, my “wife” layer, “good friend” layer) gets peeled off and I truly am “only me”.
Running brings me clarity! It allows me to reconnect with the real me…….not the Mom, not the Wife, not the friend, not the daughter…….but me! In the chaos of the day, I tend to lose a little of myself a little at a time. When its just me and noise of my feet on the pavement ( and few critters in the bush) I can reconnect and refocus!! My son says “Mommy is gone for her quiet time”……that says it all!
Running clears my mind and lets my body take over. It is a time to be free and thoughtful. I use my running time and my mediation time and my time to be grateful for all around me. It is my time to “slow down” (hopefully not to slow) and enjoy my life.
I run because I can’t fly.
This past spring, I suffered a back injury from wearing the wrong shoes. I felt like the bird with the broken wing, trapped and incapable. During the past four months of recovery, I began to research what caused the injury and have began to dabble in barefoot running. God gave birds wings, and he gave us feet. Birds don’t need something on their wings to make them fly more effeciently and I don’t believe he intended for us to try to improve on his design for our feet. Each step is like the flap of a wing, taking me higher and higher. It takes me to that place where all the things that fill my daily life become so small. If I run far and high enough, they disappear until all I hear is the air moving around me and through me. The only clouds I encounter are the ones that fill the sky, freeing the space in my mind. It is my form of flight. Gonna go for a run now…………
When I run, I feel alive. A few years ago I suddenly lost my otherwise healthy 56 year old dad to a stroke a few days after having reconstructive knee surgery from tearing my ACL, MCL, and meniscus on a snow skiing jump. After being terrified that my knee wouldn’t support my running habit, I’m happy to say that I’ve since run four half marathons and am training for my first full. I feel like I’m running away from a potential stroke of my own and towards a long life.
Running makes me feel sane when everything around me is moving at light-speed. I get to worry about breaking that 9 minute mile…and how cute I look in my running skirt. Taking a break from life’s sometimes hectic pace is a wonderful thing!
Running makes me feel determined. I’m at the beginning of my running journey and I am determined to continue and be ready to run that 5K with my husband when he returns from his deployment to Africa. I currently run on the treadmill barefoot – because I have never met a shoe that lets me run comfortably. When I get brave enough to run outside – I will be looking into the Vibrams.
Present.
Present in the parallel universe that it my running bubble. I am in the moment, aware of my mind, body and the space it’s moving through. I’m calling it a “bubble” because even though I am aware of those around me, the puddles, and the goose poo mine field, I still feel like I am in my own little world… in which I am very present.
Running makes me feel FREE. Even if I’m right in the middle of a stressful work week (coupled with preschooler drama), when I get outside for a run, I feel like I’m on vacation! My work and household duties feel far away and I can just let my thoughts wander…or do nothing at all. I can take in my surroundings and just relax. I love it!
Running is my AHHHHHHH…… I know it’s not a word, but it’s how I feel after I get out for a good, long, run. It’s a big release of all the work stress, need-to-clean-the-house stress, kid stress. When I come home after a run, I feel like someone hit my reset button.
I feel like a total copy cat – but running really makes me feel grounded. With three kids at home and a full time job, the stress can sometimes build up and overwhelm me. Running totally helps me put things in perspective and grounds me for the things I need to tackle.
When I run, I feel like I am flying. 🙂
When I run I powerful, energized, and light of heart and spirit! After birthing 4 kids in 7 years and breastfeeding each of them well into their next sibling’s gestation, I knew I could tackle anything. With the birth of each child, I had a deeper sense of strength and sure-footedness on the path my life was following. Since I can’t go on having babies forever just to get that feeling – I began to RUN, and here I am loving it!
Right now running word is Complete — running makes me feel complete.
I give so much of myself to my boys, my husband, my family, my friends, my community commitments and my new business….and yes, while each of these areas of my life give something back to me, running is the one thing I give to myself. Running makes me feel whole….no matter how much I give of myself, my time running restores that for me so that I feel replenished and whole again ….complete.
Running completes me and I OWN it. Nothing makes me feel better than running. I feel like I can accomplish everything, challenging or not, because I run. The peace I get during an early morning run (with kids or not) sets my day in the best way. Because I run, I feel like a better and more ENERGIZED mom to my daughters, a better and more UNDERSTANDING wife to my husband, a better and more PATIENT teacher to my students. I love that my oldest daughter talks about running; yesterday, she was pumped to run half a mile with me. At the end of our run, she exclaimed, “My knees are burning! That means I exercised!” Running is a challenge, but I have conquered it.
Running makes me feel ALIVE! When I’m not running the grey skies of depression slowly roll in like a fog in my brain, leaving me incapable of accomplishing anything. Running is the sun that melts the clouds away.
Running makes me feel powerful. It’s something I never thought I could do and now that I know I can, really what couldn’t I do? Now that I’m a pregnant runner, I feel even tougher! Watch out, world!
Oh, boy, running makes me feel so many things. But, lately it has made me feel free, confident, resourceful (because have successfully found soltuions to all my injuries), blessed, and unstoppable. When I run, I feel like I have some sort of super ability to handle more things than I thought I could before (like handling my three, energetic boys . . . .bring it on boys!).
Running makes me feel centered. I stop obsessing about stupid crap that I can’t control. I just focus on the road and the song I’m rocking. It also makes me feel happy. 😉
Running makes me feel…one word: POWERFUL!!!
When I run I feel light, free, and selfish in a good way. It is one thing that I do ONLY for myself, and I don’t allow myself to feel guilty about it in any way.
One of my favorite running books (besides RLAM, of course) is “What I Talk About When I Talk About Running” by Hariku Murakami. This passage captures my feelings about running perfectly, so I steal it from him with apologies for the length:
“I’m often asked what I think about as I run. Usually the people who ask have never run long distances themselves. I always ponder the question. What exactly do I think about when I’m running? I don’t have a clue.
On cold days I guess I think about how cold it is. And about the heat on hot days. When I’m sad I think a little about sadness. When I’m happy I think a little about happiness. As I mentioned before, random memories come too. And occasionally, hardly ever, really, I get an idea to use in a novel. But really as I run, I don’t think much of anything worth mentioning.
I just run. I run in a void. Or maybe I should put it the other way: I run in order to acquire a void. But as you might expect, an occasional thought will slip into this void. People’s minds can’t be a complete blank. Human beings’ emotions are not strong or consistent enough to sustain a vacuum. What I mean is, the kinds of thoughts and ideas that invade my emotions as I run remain subordinate to that void. Lacking content, they are just random thoughts that gather around that central void.”
Running makes me feel…like Superwoman. Successful. Free. Healthy. Tired. Sore. Alive. Capable. Bouncy. Jubilant.
Running makes me feel . . .
STRONG. Like I can do anything — physical or mental. Anything.
AT PEACE. With life, and all its ups and downs.
RELAXED. It takes the tension out of my shoulders and helps me to breathe.
SEXY. When I feel strong, confident, and capable as a woman, I feel H-O-T. 🙂
Proud! Sexy, amazing, accomplished, proud, free, released, focused, proud, beautiful, thinner (!), healthy….did I mention PROUD of myself!
Running is my Valium that allows me to be a stay at home mom and not go bananas.
I really want to try some vibram shoes but am too cheap to buy a pair just to try out ;D
Running makes me feel: strong, relaxed, stress free, proud, happy and so much more!
When I run, I feel like I’m making my body a better place in which to live.
I am injured and can’t run right now (femoral neck stress fracture) . Running has become all the more desirable to me now that I *can’t* run. I didn’t appreciate the simple ability to fly on my feet, until I couldn’t. It may yet be several months before I can get back out there on the trails, but when I do start back (very slowly) I have already planned to use a pair of Vibrams for at least some of my runs. Winning a pair would be fabulous!
Thanks for all the great info here and for the chance to win!
Running makes me feel alive and accomplished! When I first started, I didn’t think I could run. But I’m getting better and better. I still can’t do a full 5K running, but I’m getting there, and when I run longer than the last time, I feel like I can do anything. My final pre-cool-down song on my running playlist is Melissa Etheridge’s “I Run For Life” and that pretty much sums it up for me. Even if I’m not fighting cancer, the whole sentiment…”I run for hope, I run to feel, I run for the truth and all that is real”…that sums it up for me!
Running makes me feel proud. Proud that I got off my butt and did my run, proud that I am helping my body stay strong and proud that I am doing something not everybody can do (for whatever their reasons).
Running brings me into focus — just for me. Especially during satisfying runs, but even the not-so-great runs are significant in this way because they shed light on who I am, where I’m at, what’s going on with me and my life at that time, and somehow propel me forward on the path toward the person I’m meant to be. I’m my truest self when I run, and I love that feeling.
Running makes me feel free because during that time I don’t have to think about anything but what I’m doing right at that moment.
Running makes me so HAPPY.
Running make me feel a bit nervous… THERE I said it.. I have just started this past weekend.. I am still rocky and well I am working on finding that zone I look forward to getting there.. A bit nervous but looking forward to feeling that freedom and just becoming a “runner” .
I started in January…….and I’m still nervous. I did suffer an injury that I tried to run through (MISTAKE) which really plays mind games with me….but the nervousness I feel was there long before the injury was, so I don’t think that’s it. If you are running-no matter how slow, no matter what distance (even just down your driveway), you ARE a runner. …You might be “becoming a BETTER runner”…but you ARE a runner!! Congratulations on joining the rest of us in our obsession!
😀
Running makes me feel REAL. Like in that Velveteen Rabbit kind of way. I’ll let the words of Margery Williams explain:
“What is REAL?” asked the Rabbit one day, when they were lying side by side near the nursery fender, before Nana came to tidy the room. “Does it mean having things that buzz inside you and a stick-out handle?”
“Real isn’t how you are made,” said the Skin Horse. “It’s a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.”
“Does it hurt?” asked the Rabbit.
“Sometimes,” said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. “When you are Real you don’t mind being hurt.”
“Does it happen all at once, like being wound up,” he asked, “or bit by bit?”
“It doesn’t happen all at once,” said the Skin Horse. “You become. It takes a long time. That’s why it doesn’t happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don’t matter at all, because once you are Real you can’t be ugly, except to people who don’t understand.”
THANK YOU for such a beautiful reminder of something long forgotten. I’ve had all my hair loved off, and my joints are loose, and I’m shabby—-but I’M FINALLY REAL!! 😀
Running makes me feel like I can KICK ASS! I’m not fast, but I’ve worked up from barely being able to run 2 minutes to just having completed at 13 mile training run for my first half marathon. If I can run, then I can do anything else I put my mind to.
Love everyone’s inspiring comments, btw!
Running makes me feel…happy. I have battled with depression off and on ever since my first one was born and I have tried various prescription medication to deal with it. However, running is far more effective than the medicine; now if only my health insurance would cover shoes and skirts!
Hi Jessica – thanks for sharing that. I am a psychiatrist who treats postpartum depression. I think running is one of the best antidepressants out there! We just need to keep studying it and we all need to keep runnning!
Running makes me feel…
in control. For all the days when I roll myself out of bed in the dark so I can stick to my training schedule, I feel proud that I haven’t let work or others force me to give up on something I really want to be doing for myself.
Running makes me PROUD OF MY LEGS! There I said it. They may never be on the cover of a magazine, or look great in shorts, but instead if hating the way they look, or being mad that I don’t fit into the “smaller” size pants, I deep down am proud that these legs have carried me through five marathons, and hopefully many more. That I am able to chase my kids and keep up with my husband (sometimes).
On my best run I feel like I am the woman I have always wanted to be. After my worst, I have to talk myself through every step, runs I feel like I I’m strong enough to be capable of becoming that woman.
Running makes me feel self-reliant: it’s all about me, my strength, my will, and my endurance. As a mom, I feel like I need to relay on so many people outside of myself (the babysitter, teachers, the pediatrician, my husband); but, running is the only time of the day I truly embrace me.
And I am proud. 🙂
Running makes me feel like I’m on top of the world and I can accomplish anything. Even if all else in my life seems to be falling apart or stressing me out or is just plain too much, when I go running I suddenly feel like I’ve got it all under control. My world becomes clear and I have the sense that I can do it all. Nothing else makes me feel this way, so I depend on running to keep me sane and to give me perspective on the world. I couldn’t live without it!
Running makes me feel strong, both physically and emotionally.
Running makes me feel capable. Growing up, I was never particularly athletic or confident in my abilities (especially physical abilities), but running has taught me that I can trust myself and that I can handle a hell of a lot more than I look like I can! Lately my end-of-run/speedwork mantra has been “I can really crank on these legs” – kind of a silly statement but it makes me feel like a badass!
Running is something I used to be good at. It is something I tried to quit million times and something I came back to million times. I think there is no way I am not running.
Running makes me feel happy.
That probably is pretty hokey, but I am just so happy that I have the ability to go out and run everyday, that my body is functioning to where I can run. I’m happy that running has made me stronger both inside and out. I’m happy that I have time to give myself and that my family time is improved because i’m more grounded. I’m happy when my daughter wants to go and run with me so we can spend more time together as well.
And as I only run in Vibram sprints now, I would also be very happy to have a pair of Bikilas!
Running. Running makes me feel strong. It’s my break from reality when I can just let the miles come and enjoy the miles even when they are hard.
Running makes me feel proud and strong.
Running makes me feel empowered! Since it’s something I never thought I was capable of doing, I surprise myself each time I lace up my shoes! When I’m done running, I am proud that I accomplished something that I set out to do — something that betters who I am as a person! Even though I’m a new runner, I feel determined to figure it out, work it through, find my rhythm. And that determination empowers me. What else can I conquer?
Running makes me feel empowered! Since it’s something I never thought I was capable of doing, I surprise myself each time I lace up my shoes! When I’m done running, I am proud that I accomplished something that I set out to do — something that betters who I am as a person! Even though I’m a new runner, I feel determined to figure it out, work it through, find my rhythm. And that determination empowers me. What else can I conquer?
I am exhilerated to say that this morning, for the very first time, running made me feel good- while I was doing it. Not that this statement seems that momentous, but for me it is grand because usually running makes me feel like cursing and I only feel good afterwards. And I’ve always wondered, what the heck all that “running high” nonsense is about. And now I know.
When I run, I feel settled. At peace. It is my therapy, my drug. My time. All this has been said and done before but there is comfort in that too. I feel one with God. Even the bad runs are good runs after. I feel empowered. Strengthened. Encouraged. Present. Like I can do anything. Like I can continue to go on.
Running makes me feel proud and accomplished.
It reminds me how far I’ve come.
75 pounds ago I never could have imagined being able to run for 5 minutes. Now I can run for 35. Though I’m a mostly treadmill runner (I will get outside as soon as the kiddos are off to school, I promise!), and I’m by no means race-ready, when I feel crappy about a slowed-down weight loss, or a sluggish workout, I remember that two years ago, I couldn’t do this at all.
I remember walking on the treadmill for so long, imagining myself running with my ponytail swish-swishing behind me. Now I’m doing exactly that.
So that’s how I feel. Pretty damn awesome.
Right now it is fight on…press on…through the pain of the first half mile in my ankles. After 1/2 mile, I’m good. Afterall, what is 1/2 mile of pain compared to what my honored hereos go through as they fight their battles with blood cancer? They can’t run…they have no choice but to fight…so I press on, for them, relentlessly running for the finish line to a cure.
Running is about me. it relaxes me, keeps my depression and axienty at bay.
Now that I’m to the point where I can run 5k, I feel a sense of accomplishment. I am proud of myself for sticking with it and getting this far. I’ve been struggling with finding the right shoes, socks, comfort to keep me going. I am so curious to try the Vibrams!
Running makes me feel like I can do anything, so, empowered, would be my word.
My current running word is DETERMINATION. I’m training for my third half-marathon (just 7 weeks after my second). I’m going for a time goal, and I’m pushing myself in training in a way that I hadn’t with the two other races. There are times I want to just stop and lie on the grass but my DETERMINATION keeps me going.
Running makes me feel young, empowered, free and beautiful! It makes me feel like that no matter what worries are going on in the world, when I run…it is all about me!!
Running makes me feel strong and capable.
Running makes me feel: strong, and centered and like I can pretty much kick anyone’s ass who gets in my way. Heh.
Running keeps the mind focused and the cobwebs out!
I’m proud when I run, proud of my progress!
Running = CLARITY:
It offers perspective I can only gain from the vantage point given to me by fresh air rushing into my lungs and my legs literally and figuratively carrying me further from where I started out that day.
It is getting back into my groove and finding my rhythm in the heat & humidity, wind & rain, cool breeze (rarely), or the HEAT & HUMIDITY. (I AM in the southern tip of Texas, and no, though I LOVE my state, I don’t own texas flag shorts! lol!)
It is finding the courage and strength after many days of putting one foot in front of the other repeatedly until it feels good again.
It is honest. There are no lies; no faking it. I went out today, or I stayed home. I “slogged” or sprinted (more likely the former than the latter!) I either rocked it, or I didn’t.
It is finding faith in myself and in something greater : three years after my first marathon, a year and a half after my first baby, and a mere month after my hubby’s year long battle with Hodgkin’s. (WE WON!)
For me, it is everything that is right in the world (besides these mutant mosquitos the size of grapes that appeared this summer #%&*$^*@!!!)
It’s the simplest and second best equation EVER. RUNNING = CLARITY (The best equation is me + my loved ones = family ….all the laughing WRINKLES and gray haired STRESS I wouldn’t trade for the world!)
right now running makes me feel sweaty and tired. i can’t wait till the weather cools down so i can go back to feeling strong and beautiful while running. houston summers are killer.
Running makes me feel powerful. I’ve overcome the obstacles of work and family and made it out the door. I’ve surpassed the feeling of fatigue and get through the miles I needed. I complete the run and am drenched in sweat, which makes me tougher than everyone who said, “No, it’s too hot to run.”
Running makes me feel athletic. I was never one into sports as a child. Never played on teams. Running makes me feel like the athlete I never saw myself as.
Running makes me feel so many things – peaceful, stress free, in control… I could go on and on. It has been my life for the last 7 months. My husband had a climbing accident in Jan. that left with him with a mild TBI. Although he gets through everyday life things fairly well physically and mentally, there are still issues. His major issue is that he can no longer run the pace and distance he ran before the accident. I say be grateful you can run at all. But that’s another story. Some days my patience just wears out. I have used running as a way to get back in control and feel grounded. In the early days after his accident, I was running a mile or two several times a day. Now I can usually get through the day with the knowledge of at least an hour on the road in the evening.
Running makes me feel strong, healthy, and proud.
Important!!
Running makes me feel powerful, because it’s hard, and it makes my legs hurt sometimes, and I’m slow, but I feel powerful when I’m done!
Running makes me feel alive!
What my current running word?
Timeout
With the craziness of summer, it’s something I can do to make life sane…take a little timeout .
Running makes me feel tired but energized to get on with the rest of the day. I have struggled to get into it, but just this morning I caught a glimpse of why people enjoy it so much. I didn’t take my stop watch or set a specific distance. I just went.
i’m at this stage right now: perseverance
gotta tough it out!
Running makes me feel… strong and fills my bucket for a happy mom! I just tried these five fingers on at the store..love 🙂 Pick me ! Thank you~
Running makes me feel less crazy. I had lapsed for a couple of weeks because the schedule of work and family seemed too tricky, but I got an 8km run in this morning and feel soooo much better.
I’ve been curious about the Vibrams and would love to try them.
Running makes me feel… like I finally have something that is just mine.
Also, it makes me feel better about myself in general. Even though I am still a beginner and not very fast and can’t cover great distances and I am still overweight… Every day that I get out there and go, I feel better about myself.
hopeful
Free. Free from the dishes not done, free from the dishwasher not unloaded, free from the washing not folded, free from wondering what to feed the family, free from money worries. Just free.
It also helps that there have been lots of hot air balloons launching near my trail run route lately 🙂
Running makes me feel strong.
Running makes me feel athletic (which is a big thing to me since I was the couch potatoes growing up).
Running makes me feel like if I can do 17 miles than I can do anything.
Running is me time – no one to answer to, no phones to answer, no kids to feed, no husbands to deal with, no bosses to deal with – Running is me time. Running makes me feel free.
Running makes me feel like I am doing something fabulously healthy for my body. As a 36-year-old mother of 3 boys, it makes me feel proud, young, athletic, and strong. It helps get my “seether” (as my BF and I like to refer to it as)out when I am PMSing or just stressed in general. I love to sweat! It makes me feel like I am releasing all the bad toxins that have been trapped in my body. (i.e. – wine!) I love to be outside, although not so much in this 98 degree humid GA summer, and I love to just “be” in nature. It definately does make me “feel”, which is why I do it.
“Seether” — Love it! Perfect word! I know exactly what that is – can totally relate!
Running makes me feel happy, powerful, proud, strong, and a good role model for my daughters. My 13 year old is IMPRESSED with her Mama, that I can run so far, and she tells me so!
Running makes me feel accomplished!
I set goals and make them…and it’s all my doing! Well, I have great friends that certainly nudge along the way, but I am the one who makes me get up early & get out there 🙂 And there are always different ways you can set your running goals, events, distances, intervals between big events, etc.
right now my feelings on running are ho-hum. I usually love running it makes me feel strong but right now not so much. So, the other day I tried a mile and a half barefoot in the grass and I felt light and invigorated. The pace for that mile and a half was faster than my pace for the previous threemiles I ran on the road. Really want to explore this so maybe my ho-hum feelings will return to strong and proud.
Running makes me feel like I am worthy of being my daughter’s ROLE MODEL. She deserves to see a fit, empowered, strong woman and to know that we create our own happiness. No need to rely on others, when you can bring so much joy, so many health benefits and totally take care of yourself in innumerable ways. Let’s all inspire young girls everywhere to be fit and fun and confident!
Running makes me feel strong. I am not a natural athlete and it takes a lot for me to get out there and get a run in, but when I was running my first 10k a few weeks ago, I felt like a strong athlete for the first time in my life.
Running makes me feel like myself….when I spend day in and day out surrounded and hounded by four little monkeys and one, busy with his own world, husband; it is the highlight of the day to remember who I used to be (and one day wish to return to!) Running both drives me crazy (why do I have to be so competitive with myself on an everyday run???) and calms me. No one is asking me questions, demanding things of me….it is just me, demanding things of myself and doing something for myself. And it reminds me that I do indeed love those little monkeys and their ringleader (ie..said husband), even if I occasionally have to pry them off of me and run like the wind to get out of there!!
Running brings me back to CENTER. When things are hectic, babies are crying, work is crazy…running brings me back to peaceful, happy, center.
Running makes me feel like an athlete – a totally novel feeling for this 47-year-old, 110 lb. weight-loss loser! 🙂
Way to go – from a 90 lb weight loss loser! 🙂 I love seeing women succeed. Awesome!
Running makes me feel….alive.
After dipping my toes into the running world a few years back, and then with a substantial break more recently I’m back with a vengeance and LOVING it and the way it makes me feel. Some days I get emotional and tears well up thinking how awesome life is, how awesome my body is to do this, and how awesome the place I live in is – I’m so blessed and running gives me time to appreciate these things in my life – I feel so alive!
Running makes me feel young again!!!
When I run, I feel proud to be out there and good about taking care of myself. Can you tell I’m new to it? Maybe not. Maybe I’ll still feel this way after years of running, but after just a couple months, it’s still a new habit that I’m happy to be forming.
Running makes me feel alive. It reminds me that I am only as sick as I allow myself to be. (I am currently healing from something very serious and very limited in what I can do.)
Running makes me feel calm and peaceful, both of which are rarities these days!
When I run I feel free!!!!
When I run, I feel as if I can fully inhale and exhale everything my life has to offer, joyful, stressful and everything in between.
re·sil·ient/riˈzilyənt/Adjective
1. (of a substance or object) Able to recoil or spring back into shape after bending, stretching, or being compressed.
2. (of a person or animal) Able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions.
Most Definitely.
Running is my connection to adventurous things I once loved to do but don’t do now. Like long backpacking trips in high places and dancing all night in dark clubs. I remember going dancing once when I was in the middle of marathon training (ah, the things you can do in your 20s!) and just tearing it up and thinking, Wow, all this running makes dancing so much more fun, and easier too. The dancing’s gone (probably for good) and the backpacking won’t return for a few years, when my kids will come with us–but running….that’s still there, my connection to the wild places of my youth, me and breathing and rhythm.
Running makes me feel STRONG! I have always been exercise averse and used to say I didn’t run because I didn’t want to cough up a lung. While losing 42 pounds, I started walking around a track and threw in an occasional jog. It grew from there, a 5k challenge, rekindling a high school friendship at the 5k’s, now training with her for a half-marathon. And setting a good example of a healthy active lifestyle for my kids. I RUN therefore I am STRONG.
Running makes me feel… centered and in control. It is the one thing that I make no apologies for in my life. Working too much? I feel guilty. Struggling to balance priorities at home? More guilt. Running too much? It doesn’t cross my mind TO feel guilty about it. To be cliche but honest, I know that running makes me a better person both physically and emotionally. No matter how hard the run, I always emerge on the other side better for having done it and the sense of accomplishment afterwards is something that can’t adequately be described.
Running makes me feel like I can do anything I set my mind to. It makes me feel free and it gives me time to sort through all that “stuff” that seems to clutter up my mind. As a mother of four girls, running also gives me some time to myself to do something for myself that is beneficial to me and to my family because every mother knows that a happy mommy makes a happy family! After reading the book “Born To Run” and sharing it with some of my friends who are also runners and moms, I would love to try out the Vibrams you are giving away!
I am not a 5 fingers gal for running, so hopefully you won’t pull my name for this one, though I would have loved a skirt!! But when I run I feel like I am getting a fresh start. Every run is new and different and not necessarily better than the one before, but it is like starting with a clean slate.
Oh, I joined facebook because of you guys! My friends still can’t believe it! Hopefully it won’t keep me from running, sitting in front of facebook all day.
Sometimes I feel rushed or pressured. I know that’s not a good thing necessarily, but I also feel committed (to running, not like in the insane asylum way). So I want to get my runs in, preferably in the mornings.
After I run, I always feel relieved and good. Also tired, sweaty, and extremely hungry.
Running makes me feel powerful. In control. In other aspects of my life there are so many moving parts to make things happen, with running, it’s just me and the road (or the ‘mill). The only limit is my capacity, and how close to it my brain lets me come.
Awesome giveaway – I’ve always wanted to try ’em but I’m reluctant to drop the $$ on something I’m not sure will work for me!
I just went for a run and I got to thinking about running. I have been dealing with a lot of stress lately due to money and major changes in my household. Running makes me forget. I forget all about the stress and issues going on in my life and I just run. I focus on running faster, farther and longer and nothing else.
Alone.
in a good way
Running makes me feel
INVINCIBLE
sometimes that feeling doesn’t happen until after i stop running. .. but mostly during my run.
Running makes me feel alive, at peace with myself, and free. I absolutely love to run. It is one of the only times when I get to be alone with just my thoughts, the ground below me, and the sky above me. I love it!
Running makes me feel connected. I run with a girlfriend, and it is our time to gab and discuss the journey of motherhood we are traveling. Just knowing she is waiting at the corner, spurs me out of bed when it’s still dark outside!
Running makes me feel… like myself.
I don’t have to be the wife, Mummy, daughter, employee, etc… I know I’m all those things, but BECAUSE I run (not necessarily only WHEN I run) I know better who I am.
Running makes me feel…more. Makes me feel like I have more energy, more patience, more understanding, makes me live in the moment, notice all the little things, appreciate the big things. Even the worst run can be really great.
Running makes me feel…alive!
Becoming a ‘runner’ is my goal. And while I am not there yet, I know that I soon will be.
And when Ireach that goal, I will feel powerful and accomplished and in control and will have quieted the nay-sayers.
My running word: soon.
Running makes me feel a live, it makes me feel proud of myself! All those feelings of self doubt and the negativity I feel about who I am or how I look… they all go away when I run. It makes me feel so happy to just run; fast or slow, short or long… I’m always happy when I finish! 🙂
My word? Flying. Lean into the road, pick up your feet and fly. Gravity does the rest.
Running makes me feel sleek and strong…things that I have hardly felt before. It makes me believe that I can do almost anything in my life…again, not a familiar feeling. The first time I ran a 5k, without stopping…I cried. Amazing!
Running makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something – finished a run, done something good for my body, burned off that glass of wine. It also makes me feel accomplished, a little, like an athlete – something I never experienced before taking up running.
Running makes me feel powerful. I’ve only been running for 3 months but looking back at how far I’ve come, from only being able to run 1 minute and now up to 3 miles, I’m amazed at the power of my body and mind!
To have just started 3 months ago, 3 miles is GREAT!! Congratulations!
Running helps me clear my head, makes me forget about all the chores that needs to be done. It’s me-time!
Running makes me feel… undefeatable. When I run, it’s my time! I don’t have be “wife” or “mom” when I run, I just have to put one foot in front of the other and go! It’s my time to sort thoughts, solve current issues, let go of those issues, think, plan, …and most of all it’s my time to just be *me*. I feel alive and in control! I feel strong! All of which makes me, Undefeatable!!! 🙂
Running makes me feel like I can do anything. It gives me a space to think differently about myself – without the same limitations that non-running imposes. I feel less confined when running, more confident, less concerned about the little things and more content with myself.
Running makes me feel…
….in control (somedays) like I can do something about my own health and the future health of my family through my example.
and…
…so tired some days! 🙂 Like today – 4 miles was nearly impossible!!! 🙂
**Just finished your book. LOVE IT! Thank you!!!
Today’s lunch time run makes me feel like I can totally rock a new bikini at the beach in a couple of weeks…even with running short/skirt tan lines 🙂
More often, though, running makes me feel like the best version of myself: more relaxed, more content, and mentally/physically/emotionally strong. It allows me to let go of my need to protect myself.
running makes me feel…relieved
Just like a good therapy session or a glass of wine after a stressful day. Only better 🙂
Running makes me feel grateful for the good body that I have so that I am able to run. It also makes me feel liberated and free. Running is my time for me and only me. My time away from the rat race of four children and a husband and all that goes along with them.
Running makes me feel accomplished. It does not come easy for me and takes some effort. I don’t look forward to it all the time but after I feel incredible. I feel a swelling of power and wonder why I don’t always look forward to it.
Running makes me feel strong. I’m new to running but I love it! I don’t know why I avoided it before (well, I do know, the sweatyness of it all). I’m training for my 1st 5k and I know I am totally addicted to running. It always puts a smile on my face. 😀
Running makes me feel in control of my life.
My running words for today are Determined, hopeful, and intimidated…
I am hopeful that I can go out for a run tonight, determined to be able to run, but intimidated when I think about being able to run for more than a couple of minutes at a time…I’m just hoping I can really do this. I really wish I could just believe that I can do it….
Running makes me feel like I can do anything. I never thought being overweight that I could actually run. And finally one day I put on some tennis shoes and hit the pavement and I was able to run and not feel like I was going to die.
My Running Words for the day are: impressed, proud, and grateful
I took up running after my husband and I both lost a parent (and a sister) in 2009 so……Running makes me feel like I am that much closer to being around to rock my grandchildren and great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren!
Each time I run, I feel grateful for the ability to run! Grateful for this day, for the sun coming up and being able to get out of bed to greet the day. Grateful for my leisure time and strength to run for FUN!
Running makes me feel: all of the above. I read so many other comments and nodded and agreed to most. It’s hard to come up with one word because each run is so different from the next. I definitely will highlight that running gives my mind and my body the space, energy and release that they need. I am a much better mother when I get out for a run consistently. Since I’m pushing my 3 year old in the jogger most runs, I think it also help him get fresh air, down time and a great view of new things. I also want to continue to show a healthy lifestyle to my older boys. The companionship that I get when running with women from my running club is invaluable and beyond words.
Running is my Ju-Ju. Sometimes I feel creative, sometimes powerful, but no matter what I feel that day on that run I embrace it or conquer it.
Running makes me feel free.
Sometimes when I am running solo I think about all the places in the world that people can’t just take off and run and I am thankful for this life I’ve been given.
When I run, I feel excited, determined, intimidated, unsure, empowered, disappointed, encouraged…it changes from day to day. Some days I feel more excited and more determined. Other days, I feel a little disappointed and unsure of myself and my ability to keep going. However, the bottom line for me is: When I run, I feel like I am me again. Running was something I started to do when I was a pre-teen. I loved running but for various reasons (college, lack of time, work, children, family, house…), my running fell by the wayside. Now, I realize that I need to take the time out of my day and commit that time to myself to do what I love…in small increments. I know that, as my kids get older, I will gradually have more time to commit to myself and my running. For now, my 20 – 30 minutes a day, three – four times a week is just right for me. 🙂
Running makes me feel sane. I have a hard time coping with two very loud, very active boys when I can’t get my run on.
Running makes me feel like running faster.
Running makes me feel – like I can do anything! Seriously when I am running I feel like almost anything is possible. One more step, one more mile, one more lap, whatever. It’s also time to forget the worries of the world and focus on ME and my body.
Running makes me feel alone. Totally, completely, beautifully, peacefully, alone. It is the ultimate ME time! I’m a mom of 4 year old twins, a wife, and a teacher. My time is very rarely my own. Only when I run.
Being a barefoot runner, when I run I feel connected to the world in a very profound way. I feel like my whole body is a part of the the earth, the air, and all that is around me. Because I am focused on the ground and where I am stepping I am also focusing on my form and due to this hyper awareness I notice so much more that goes on around me with all of my senses.
I feel relaxed when I run. If I don’t then I focus on relaxing until I feel mellow again. Its great practice for the rest of my daily life!
I so want to try the Bikilas. I think they would make my life easier for winter road running 🙂
Running makes me feel…free. Time spent running can be anything I want it to be. Fast, slow, short, long, with friends, alone, letting my mind think or singing a song, running a planned route or seeing where my feet take me. Each run is different than the last. Running is..unpredictable.
I’m training for my first half, so if I’m being honest, sometimes running makes me feel like crap. I live in Florida, and it’s so hot and humid that I’m logging a lot of treadmill miles, so there are a lot of days running makes me feel bored out of my skull. Never mind all that. Anorexia could have killed me when it had the chance, and now running makes me feel like a survivor. To keep running, I have to keep surviving. To keep surviving, I’m finding I want to keep running (among other things, of course, but knowing that my body can accomplish more at a healthy weight than it ever could have when I was pitifully thin is an amazing motivator)…and I know that even though the going gets rough on both counts sometimes, I know I don’t ever want to give up either of them.
Running reminds me that I can do the impossible
Running makes me feel…stronger. Stronger than I was one run before physically, mentally and emotionally. Stronger than I was yesterday. Stronger than I was last week. But not as strong as I will be when I get up and run again tomorrow.
Running makes me feel free, the only limit that is stopping you is yourself. During my runs, I replay the whole day trying to make sense of it, which helps me relax and take some stress off. During some intense interval workouts, the pain gives me a natural high (thank you endorphins)
Overall, running provides me with self-confidence, good health and stress management. And whenever I feel down, running makes me happy. Running also helped me make new friends, and took me places where I would never venture to.
Running is an adventure.
When I run, I feel . . . exhilarated!
Running makes me feel carefree and young. When I can click off some serious miles or run fast (even if it’s just briefly); I forget the grey in my hair and the lines on my face and, at least for a moment, I feel like I’ll live forever.
I run in the early morning it is the best part of the day, I love a cool crisp morning run. I love to watch the world awake from the dead of night. Running keeps me alive….
I do follow you on fb 🙂
When I run I no longer have to focus on my husband, or my little girl. I don’t have to talk, or explain for the hundredth time why not, I can decide to allow myself to go where ever the path takes me that day. It makes me feel carefree and rejuvenated!
Running is Bliss
When I run, I feel complete. I may not have it completely together, per se, but I am complete in all my worlds: mental, physical, social, spiritual, etc. I am slow, but I am whole. I am healthy and happy and loved and lean. What more could I ask for? Running reminds me of how blessed I truly am.
Effervescent!
connects me back to the earth…and to myself. It is one of the ways I feel alive (not to mention it keeps the pores open). It gives me time to think about life…before I get pulled 10 different directions.
Running makes me feel alive, whole, powerful and capable.
Running makes me feel like me. Running is the one time it’s all about Angela. Not mom, not wife, not blogger, not friend. Running is where I get to be Angela, just Angela. I am enjoying getting to know her again (but I still can’t stand her on a 20 mile run. Thank god for friends to distract me)
Running makes me feel like I’m one of “them”. Them, the nutty people I’ve watched running in all kinds of weather, all kinds of terrain, all kinds of times (day or night), all kinds of life circumstances, all kinds of shapes, sizes and ages. I run, therefore I’m one of “them”.
Running makes me feel like an inspiration. I can show my daughter that even if you don’t fit the “look” of a certain group, you can still do it. Nobody would guess this overweight mom could keep up with the thin girls!
Right now running makes me tired and gives me a headache afterwards (hot mid-day summer, hard training runs). But I’m looking forward to when I can slow it down and run with friends in the weeeee hours of the morning and the pace doesn’t matter. Then it grounds me, gets me focused for the day/afternoon/evening, and feels so good.
But my favorite is, trail running. Trail running makes me feel alive, like I can sink my nails into the ground and drink up the earth (I work in a cube land of an office, so I take every chance I can get). Pace doesn’t matter, just the lush green, pine, and decaying logs. Yum.
My running word is “fortunate” – because I’m not injured, because I have a family that supports my obsession, because I have a job that allows me to take off on a run at lunchtime, because I live in a climate that allows running outdoors year-round, because I have the financial means to keep motivating myself with races, because I’m alive and healthy. And I firmly believe that I have all these “fortunes”, in part, because I run, because running allows me to be better at everything else I do because it keeps me healthy and focused on the right things. It’ s a lovely cycle!
Running is my drug! I don’t take antidepressants, high blood pressure meds, high cholesterol meds, or any other ones because I got off IT and started running two years ago. The rest of my friends and family take medications for all that stuff. I’ve done several 5 and 10 K races and 2 1/2 marathons and plan to do a full at least by the age of 50. I’m 46 now. Proud to be a runner – finally!
Powerful.
When I run fast I feel physically powerful, stronger than most people I know. When I am done running I feel mentally powerful – cleansed if you will… ready to take on the next challenge whether it is work, school, or my playing with my 4yo.
Running makes me feel free–free of all the burdens of the day!
Invincible!
Alive.
Strong.
Proud.
Powerful!
Running makes me feel ALIVE!
Whole.
I feel SET
Running makes me feel healthy and strong! Especially as I didn’t start running until a few months ago. I’m now signed up for s super mini triathlon and running isn’t the most fearsome leg!
One word… MINE
CAPABLE.
… of any thing, any time, any where.
At least for that hour or so. 🙂
Running makes me feel alone (in a good way).
Running makes me feel…recharged
In control.
Free (not the cheap and easy kind either) 🙂
Running makes me feel whole. I’m a wife, a mother, a teacher, a daughter, a sister, a friend, and a runner!
Running makes me feel…EMPOWERED!
Happy, proud, strong, accomplished…and so many more! 😉
The wind on my face, the sound of my feet pounding the pavement, the feel of my heart beating, the rush of air passing through my lungs as I breathe…in a word, running makes me feel exhilarated.
Strong. Amazing. Free.
Running is therapy for my mind! I truly love to run! On the pavement or on the desert trails. Whenever I am having a tough week all I have to do is lace up my best investment ever my running shoes & off I go!
I also enjoy participating in race events too. I love watching everyone run and how different we all are different body types, genders, races and running styles. Yet we all have the same passion. Running!
Running makes me feel…
*sane
*fortunate
*alive
*in control
*strong
*beautiful
Challenged… Like never before
Running makes me feel happy!
Balanced 🙂
My current running word is perseverance. I’ve proven to myself something I thought impossible and I’ve become a runner. Now I’m working on persevering through the training for my first half marathon in spite of all the cards stacked up against me.
My word this week would be CONTENT.
Running makes me feel focused. When I run I love the rhythmic zone that I get in. That zone makes me feel as if I can accomplish anything.
Running makes me feel like I can fly. It’s my time to be by myself, nothing to focus on other than clearing my mind and doing my body good! No two runs are ever the same, but when I’m done I feel rejuvenated (sometimes exhausted) and balanced.
-healthy
-sane
-good example
-refreshed
-recharged
-renewed
-happy 🙂
….AWESOME!
Running makes me feel SUCCESSFUL! No matter how the run goes! I went and DID it : )
LIBERATING.
Running makes it feel like I’ve ‘run away’ for just a little while.
Human.
Running makes me feel … Sexy!!!
Running makes me feel EUPHORIC !
PEACEFUL!
Running makes me feel Worthy (of my own time and attention)
Running makes me feel strong!
Running makes me feel ….CLEAN. When I run, I feel like I am sweating out not only the toxins in my body, but also my mind. Whether I run alone or with “my girls”, it helps me work through anything that might be bothering me.
Running makes me feel….relaxed
Amazed.
Running makesme feel alive, vibrant, and oh so powerful!!
Running makes me feel… accomplished and strong. A really good run makes me feel… light on my feet with a lightness of mind.
Running makes me feel like the best version of myself. After a run I am a better mommy, a better wife, a better friend, a better sister….I am refreshed and free from the stresses and distractions that pile on throughout the day. My slate is clean and I can tackle whatever comes next. Bring it on!
Beautiful!
Running makes me feel…. relaxed
Thinner!
On a good day: Running makes me feel strong – like I can do anything! It makes me proud to see my two girls want to be strong and run and do triathlons too.
On a bad day: Running makes me feel like my legs weigh a million pounds and I wonder if I will ever be able to move faster, smoother, and effortlessly.
Running makes me feel calm, grounded and strong. It gives me more patience and makes me a better mom.
Running makes me feel….FREE
Running makes me feel: PURE
hopeful
When I run, I feel lucky. Lucky to have the time to do it. Lucky to have a break from my day. Lucky to be able to run wherever I want to run. Lucky to be healthy enough to run. Lucky to breathe clean air. Lucky to run on trails in nature. Lucky to see things that other people never see. Lucky to run in cities I’ve visited and really get to know neighbourhoods. Lucky to travel with girlfriends to attend races like the NIke Women’s Marathon in San Fran. I could go on and on… Lucky that I met a couple 20 years ago that had started running and they inspired me to try it out.
Alive!
Running makes me feel free, strong, confident, powerful, but mostly grateful for the luxury and ability to escape for a bit into my own little world.
Invincible!!!
joyful!
Sane!
Exhilarated
Free!!!
Running makes me feel YOUNG : )
Free! It is amazing!
Alone. ( four kids under 7). When I run suddenly MY legs hurt, MY lungs ache… very rarely does the chaos stop and I’m aware of Me.
Happy
Sane, centered, free, meditative when I’m alone and social when I’m running with my peers. It makes be a better wife, mother, sister, daughter friend. Its my Xanex, my sleeping pill, my caffeine and according to some friends its my crack. It affords me extra energy, peace of mind and a stronger body. So when my first word that came to mind was sane I guess that’s MY word for running.
Running makes me feel GOOD! I’m still a little shocked that I am enjoying running and getting out there three times a week, on purpose. The last two months have started to change my perspective about myself and my abilities.
Running makes me feel… strengthened.
Sexy.
Running right now makes me … frustrated. Currently injured and don’t know when I can run again. So yes frustrated.
surreal.
this seems a little ironic, but in this moment….running makes me feel weak. im battling some injuries that i just can’t shake. every time i have attempted to run in the last two weeks it has caused pain, which leads to sadness, and then an overwhelming feeling of weakness. which is why i really want to try out barefoot running. i cant help but think that some of my problems come from my shoes. im desperate right now and willing to try anything at this point 😦
STRONG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m new to running, just 2 months under my belt, but when I run, I feel in charge and I love the feeling of accomplishment at the end of run. I also can’t complain about the weight loss.
Peace
Running makes me feel motivated. Running makes me feel healthy. Running makes me feel like a role model–for my son, for other mamas, for other women.
Running makes me feel… free
Running makes me feel….HAPPY! Reminds me of a line from the movie, Legally Blonde. “Exercise gives you endorphins, endorphins make you HAPPY, and HAPPY people just don’t shoot their husbands, they just don’t!” 🙂
I have five kids so I look forward to getting out there and running and just having time to myself so that I can be a better Mom and Wife and of course a better me. 🙂
I have been searching for these Vibram Bikilas! I especially love the color. I have had quite a few foot problems so I am hoping these will by my answer. Whether I win them or not, I will soon be wearing them. 🙂
Running makes me feel… like re-evaluating every single one of my “can’ts”. Mostly because running used to be one of them.
p.s. I was born to wear those shoes. ; )
Running makes me feel powerful and strong.
Running makes me feel…. inspirational — my weight loss and signing up to be in my 2nd and 3rd half marathons, even though I am very much a penguin. I always think I’m crazy while running because I still struggle and I always wish that it was as easy as other runners make it look. But when I’m done, I’m proud of myself for finishing the run and have an exhilirated feeling. After my run, I feel great about myself!
Inspired!
Empowered, Independant, Appreciative, Alive
Running makes me feel… capable.
Serendipity- I am new to running…never thought I would be a runner…now I genuinely enjoy it. Serendipity- making a fortunate discovery by accident.
Alive
Focused. I’m just heading back to work after being home with the babe for almost 9 months. The rest of my day I’m trying to remember how to do my job, taking care of the house, worrying about the rough adjustment my little one is having at daycare (I know it will get easier with time — just rough for now), and worrying about my older child who is feeling a bit neglected these days in the midst of it all. When I’m running I’m just running and that’s all I need to be doing at that time. Focused.
Free.
Running makes me feel whole. Three months in after a twenty year hiatus, and I cannot recall a time when I felt consistently happy as I do now. Its me, myself and I , and I am doing it!!
Running makes me feel like a cross between Super Woman and the Tooth Fairy….invincible and blessed with fairy dust to happily spread around. Hey, I’m a 59 year old grand mother….I can be a bit quirky. I love to run, it makes me feel strong, energetic and youthful.
When I run, I feel like I am myself again. As a new mom, I have found that meeting the needs and demands of my new family has become quite a sacrifice. A sacrifice I have grown to love, don’t get me wrong, but a sacrifice at that. For the 30, 60, or even 80 minuets I get to lace up and be me, I am always that much better for it. Wether arguing with my husband in my mind, making a grocery list, or realizing what I need to focus on to be a better parent, it only lasts the first 5 mins. Until I let go, start breathing hard, and become me again. Oh, thank heavens for the run.
supercalifragilisticexpialidocious~
Smug
Running gives me so many emotions….it is my therapy session, whether I am off on my own or with a buddy or two or three!!!
I have caught myself tearing up during runs from everything including joy, for my accomplishements, from pain, love (sometimes my awesome husband slows down and runs with me!) and the blessing that I have in my life…I rarely end a run on a bad note…I am able to leave it all on the road!
When I run, I feel appreciative… Appreciative of the ability to run, the feeling of breathlessness that it brings, the feeling of my muscles working, and the feeling of sweat dripping down my legs.
disciplined!
Focused
Primitive.
accomplished; very, very accomplished
Running makes me feel… ALIVE!
When I run I feel… empowered!
Running makes me feel better about everything: graduate school, work, relationships, the present, the future. Running completely changes my mood and makes me feel like I can take on the world, or at least my world. Without running, I don’t feel like myself.
Human again!
Running makes me feel… Proud!
Last Friday I tore something in my knee. So right now running means to me more than I thought it did. I just completed my first race a few weeks ago and the last run I did, I got home and wasnt winded yet. So right now when I think of running the one word that comes to mind is PRAY….pray that I can get back on the road as soon as possible because it hasnt even been a week and I miss it horribly.
P.S. I love your book.
Since you said you just completed your first race…it sounds like you’re a fairly new runner?? I got hurt too while I was training for my first 10K. I had to take 5 weeks off–NO running at all. I was terrified that I would lose all that I had gained…but because I had been training injured (because I didn’t stop early enough-I thought I could just run past the pain I was feeling)…when I started running again I was much stronger than before. In just a few weeks I’m past where I left off…and feeling a million times better. Heal….the run will be faithfully waiting for you when you’re better.
Good luck to you.
😀
Running makes me feel…abundant, joyful, and lucky. Sorry, that was 3. :0)
Running makes me feel tired and old but I am new to it so I’m hoping that changes eventually.
Strong!
Running makes me feel…
Capable. I just started running two and a half weeks ago and every day I can add another minute to my run time, I feel like I can conquer anything.
Strong. I strength train, but running makes my legs strong in a different way than weights. My legs are strong and toned all over.
Calm. I run before the sun comes up when my city is quiet and dark. My run centers me, gives me time to clear my mind and just be alone with the world before chaos sets in for the day.
um, my name is Heather and I can’t spell 🙂
Running makes me feel BOUNDLESS!!
electric!
Don’t put me in the drawing for the Vibrams as my cup runneth over with our meeting last weekend not to mention the prize…plus I already dragged home my very own pair of hot pink Vibrams. How could I resist?
My word that running makes me feel (when it’s not searing hot and or I’m not gasping for air) is CAPABLE.
peaceful, capable, like I can almost reach my sanity!
Running makes me feel… calm and in control. After the run it makes me tired 😦 but then it makes me feel strong 🙂
Running makes me realize that I am capable of a lot more than I ever thought..
Running makes me feel accomplished. I’m doing something that many people refuse to do and I’m challenging myself.
Running makes me feel CONNECTED. Connected to the sky and the earth, and connected to myself and my thoughts.
When I run, I feel vivacious. A living person revived once again with the thrill of running.
Good days, it makes me feel… light.
Bad days, it makes me feel…. better that i ran but glad it’s over…
Running makes me feel like at least I can get one thing accomplished
Running makes me feel FREE! Free from the everyday stress of life. Something that I do only for myself. No soccer, no ballet, no basketball, and certainly no minivan! It is truly my thing and I embrace every moment of it and am thankful that I have finally found that thing that brings me back to ME.
Running leaves me feeling spectaculescent!
Running makes me feel thankful. Thankful I’m able to get out there and feel healthy and strong.
Running makes me feel FREE!
Breathtaking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
When I’m running I feel blessed to be given every opportunity to use my body in this way.
Running makes me feel like a gazelle. That’s the word my late and much beloved mother used to describe my running. Just saying that word in the middle of a lone run makes me smile. Thank you, Momma!
In one word? Scintillating.
Empowered!
LIGHT
in every sense of the word. When I finish a run I feel light on my feet, light in my thoughts, even like I am radiating light. And yes, light like I have temporarily shed the literal weight of my 5 small children hanging off of various parts of my body…!
Alive. That’s my one word. 🙂
My word right now is empowered. I may struggle with the run but once I’m done I feel like I can do anything!
Running makes me feel self-satisfied, confident and strong…even those slow painful runs!
Running makes me feel like a HIPPO! I feel large, clumsy, heavy….and not at all graceful. But, I know the more I do it, I will feel agile, svelt,toned, strong…maybe.
This week marks my one-year anniversary of when I started to run. I was 43, starting to have left hip pain, no energy by lunchtime, and I could no longer sit on the floor cross-legged and expect to get up w/o assistance. I had to start SOMETHING or else I was seeing my future as very sedentary. I’m proud to say I’m now logging about 12 miles a week, hip pain totally gone, and I once again feel youthful – and at 44 I AM youthful dang it! So, to answer your question, running is my bridge leading back to youth and vigor. Running from old age, hurting joints, and laziness. I still have aches and pains, but by gosh they are well earned, and that in itself makes me feel a hell of a lot better!
Running makes me feel…strong.
I’ve never been athletic, so to be able to run now is amazing!
Running makes me feel like I am someone! When I run, it is the one thing I do for myself. When I leave this earth, I want to be remembered for something. When I run, I think of all the things that touch my soul and use that energy to keep going. Every single time I get tired and I am ready to quit, I talk out loud to myself. I keep telling myself, one more hill, one more corner. I will not quit. I will be someone and I will be remembered!
Running makes me feel…free.
Time to get out by myself, go where I want to go, have my own headspace away from the kids…
My bikilas are wearing out, I’d really love these ones to finish my training for my first half marathon!!! 🙂
Running makes me feel so powerful!
Running makes me feel free! No matter what is going on in my hectic life, as soon as I set foot on the track my worries drift away. When I run, I find myself again, even if it is just for a half hour or an hour. I started running after a failed attempt at a bootcamp class… the running killed me. So i was dead and determined to learn properly. Running gives me wings… it allows me to float, and to let go. I can choose to think, or simply just be. Makes me wonder why I hadnt tried it years ago!
When I run I feel wild and free, carrying myself wherever my barefeet will take me.
running makes me feel natural. not that I’m a natural runner, but since I only trail run I can’t help but think when I’m shuffling through the woods about how we humans have always been travelers–to get water, to find food, to, well, I don’t know what else we used to do, but when I’m trail running I feel like I’m doing something I’m supposed to be doing….
When I am running, I feel powerful. I also feel so lucky and appreciative to be running because it means I am healthy and have a loving and supportive husband at home taking care of our kiddos.
Running both freaks me out and amazes me. I often find myself scared that I won’t be able to complete even the shortest of runs. And then I do and I’m completely amazed at what my body can do and what my mind had the crazy notion to doubt. And then I return home and my daughter says, “You wet mama, how your run?” Do I say, “Freaky good.”?
It makes me feel like I’m an athlete even though almost nothing else in my life supports that! 🙂 ~K
Connected! I have an amazing running partner and friend who has seen me at my absolute worst, in the midst of a divorce with 4 young boys, and will hopefully be around when i someday reach my best! She has cheered me on through my divorce, dating, remarriage, miscarriage, and multiple injuries. She doesn’t judge me, but challenges me and tells me like it is. She is sometimes the mirror that I don’t want to see, but she waits for me to open my eyes. She is an amazing wife, mother and friend with her own struggles and our runs are so much more than just miles. From marathons, (3) to 5K’s ( 1) and probably a hundred races in between, running with a dear friend has made the bad, good, the good, better and the best, attainable!
Running makes me feel like I can tackle anything!
Strong enough to conquer the will of that Terrible Two waiting for me at home.
Running makes me feel…accomplished. It’s still a process for me that I struggle with and when I finish a race or a long run, I feel so accomplished at what my body can do.
I really hope I win!! I tried on a pair this summer and wanted to think it over for a few days and now I can’t find them anywhere!
extraordinary.
Running makes me feel free. Free to use the power I know I am capable of. When I have completed a run, my goal is achieved which translates to other goals in life that are infinitely possible.
Free.
Running makes me feel present.
I know my body and mind are both there when I run. I focus on my thoughts, my feelings, my concerns, my desires. I get to be with me for a brief period of time. I step away from “to do” and shopping lists, from planning my kids playdates while I have a full day of work at the office, thinking of when was the last time my husband and I had sex, or of planning dinner for my family that night. When I run, it is all about me. What I want, feel, wish, fear, dream of…
Even if my thoughts are around keeping form, making it that extra mile without stopping, that odd pain in my toenail, or the always existing desire to make a pause. These are still MY thoughts. I own them, as I own my body, my stride, my breath… I am, right there, all of me. Present.
HOT like the hot mama I am trying to be!!! Seriously, I can wake up in the morning feeling like I am the ugliest, softest woman with a post baby body….run 5 miles and feel like a hot sexy woman! totally worth 4:30am:)
Invincible. Strong. Ageless. These are big things for a woman who is 44 years old and has just completed spinal fusion surgery. I had my surgery in January, and did pool running starting in March when my surgeon OK’d it. In April I was allowed to run “for real” and did so with a newfound appreciation of what a gift it is to travel across the earth. In July I did my first (and last!) half ironman triathlon. Running got me from a neck brace to a sub six hour finish in a HARD race – for that I am eternally grateful.
Light! ( you asked for one word, so that’s it!)
When I run I feel…like I have to go to the bathroom.
Runvigorated!
Invigorated, excited, empowered, overwhelmed, happy, tired at times, stronger then I was yesterday!
Running makes me feel in touch with the earth, with myself and with the present moment.
As a practicing Buddhist and with a strong belief that all things are inter-related I find running to be a great source of energy, freedom and an opportunity for meditation.
Running makes me feel alive, strong, and most importantly, SANE! When three kids make me want to scream and hide, running makes me feel like ME again. Oh yes, I remember now. I like me, and nothing can detract from that while I am on the road.
When I run, I feel … content.
Running makes me feel like me. I don’t very often get to be my genuine self but when I run I get to be the person I think that I’m supposed to be. It’s that feeling that gets me through the next mile sometimes and when I’m finished it allows me to be genuinely proud of myself with no ulterior motives except how I want to feel about me. I finally get to be me.
Hey, that’s almost exactly what I said! Running is allowing me to really connect with myself–and because of that I really am finding strength to be “my genuine self” ALL THE TIME. Consequently, I’ve been drawing people to me who really do accept the real me (vs. me having to be someone different to make other people happy). Life is better without a mask!! 😀
My word if hopeful. I really hope to get moving again. I hope to find some time for me once the kids go back to school. I hope to get back to 4km regular route. I hope it helps my weight, mood, cholesterol, blood pressure and pain. I hope I get back to running before anyone notices so there’s no pressure. And I suppose I hope I win the runners (can I call them runners?)
Running has been a catalyst for me. It seems that after I made the decision to run my first 5K, the rest of my healthy lifestyle goals have fallen in to place. I’ve swapped coffee and alcohol for smoothies, I get to yoga class more now than ever and I feel great. As a yoga teacher who believes in the intelligence of the human body, minimalist running is something I am very interested in!!
Two words, actually: blue peg blue blue peg blue peg blue blue peg… Can you hear it? Several months ago, I was rushing around the house trying to get dinner ready and on the table so I could leave the fam cared for and go running…. Everyone was takiNg their sweet a$$ time getting to the table — it was not their run at risk of being missed. I was getting stressed and anxious thinking i would have to skip it or cut short — not the first time for either. There is a small window between dinner, clean up and bedtime demands. You all know the tune. So rather than be the victim waiting for everyone to come, I plated up the meals, covered them with foil and let them come in on their own. Got ready for my run and felt so smart, in control and ready to run. Right next to the foil was one of my little boys pegs -a blue peg g and in that moment, that captured the success of my meeting 101 important needs at that moment, including my own.
I run in the morning now with greater consistency, but “blue peg” still reminds me that I can take control of an uncontrollable situation and feel strong and capable…. Just like when I am running a half marathon!
I LOVE THIS. LOVE LOVE LOVE it. I know what you mean. I can take control without being controlling. You didn’t try to MAKE them come to the table RIGHT FREAKING NOW SO I CAN GO RUN….you just did what you needed to do while still taking care of them. Taking care of me allows me to better care for them. Blue peg. Just love it. Thanks for sharing that story. 😀
Running makes me feel increditable!
Makes me feel like the INCREDIBLE hulk!
Makes me feel like an INCREDIBLE athlete!
Makes me feel like an INCREDIBLE wife!
Most importantly… It makes me feel like an INCREDIBLE MOTHER!
I’ve always been curious about the five fingers runners. I’ve also always been very skeptical (don’t they hurt?!). Nevertheless, I’m very interested to try them!
My word is cathartic. Running has always been cathartic for me. I started running in college when I was overly stressed and didn’t know how to cope. I discovered that running helped me work out and through my problems. I’ve used running as a source of “therapy” for years! I’m a writer at heart, but whenever I get a serious case of writers block (or if I can’t put my thoughts into words), I lace up my shoes and head out the door. Running helps me find answers. It also helps me feel strong.
Tenacious.
The best single word I could come up with was: BETTER. Followed closely by READY. I was in a funk the other day and running my usual wasnt an option, do I tried walking a couple
miles with kids in jogger. Not much help, tried biking 8 miles with kids in trailer, a little better, but I didn’t truly feel BETTER until I ran a quick 2.5 on the treadmill.
Running makes me feel…amazed. I’m not used to thinking of myself as at all athletic. And I’m not very good at running, but it still feels amazing. One day I’ll actually do a decent length run.
Running make me feel SPORTY. Being sporty makes me feel confident. It gives me an identity all my own. I’m a mom of 3, a teacher, a wife…but those roles are all about serving others. Running is just for me.
Love, love, love my VFF classics. I’ve been coveting the pink Bikilas. I was reluctant about the VFFs because of flat feet and bad knees, but after a hip flexor injury had me on crutches for a month and sitting on the bench for 4 months, I was willing to try anything. With my VFFs and Newtons I am pain free and running at a pace much faster than I was ever able to run in “supportive” shoes and orthodics. Plus, it’s fun to be a member of the VFF club!
Running=my God given all natural Prozac. It makes me feel strong healthy and powerful…like I can truly accomplish anything.
Running makes me feel like me.
Running makes me feel … like She-Ra.
Normal 🙂
Running makes me feel like a new person because I have become a better person since I started running. God bless running!
Running makes me feel like I am in charge of my body.
Empowered… as in I AM able to do this and it’s awesome!
Running makes me feel like a new person. I have become a better person since I started running!
ME
Running makes me feel strong and gives me illusions of superherodom.
Running makes me feel successful and complete. There are alot of things that I can do in the day that have to be re done at some point such as sweeping the floors or washing the dishes. But a run has a begining and an ending to it. I can do it once and no matter what happens, no matter how slow, no matter how short I cut it – my run is done for the day and nothing can change that.
Running makes me feel…INVINCIBLE!
Empowered! Running has helped me combat rheumatoid arthritis. I was out of shape and nearly handicapped when the spark struk. Earlier this year I ran my first full marathon, in Vibram Five Finger Sprints. Barefoot running has totally changed my form and taken me for a 10K runner to a marathoner. Every day that I run, I feel I have been given the power to fight.
Free
Revived!
alive.
Running makes me feel…healthy and energized, despite my severe asthma.
Also, Running makes me feel…like I belong to the cool crowd.
Running makes me feel…apart of something greater than myself. I love seeing other runners out. It really motivates me. I love the little hi’s and waves as you meet another runner. Sometimes it’s really hard to take those first few steps, but when I see someone else running along, it really helps me get going!
Running makes me feel like I’ve found myself. I have spent a lifetime doing what other people wanted me to do, what ever would make someone else happy or what ever I felt like I needed to do in order to get someone to like (or, sadly, love) me. I run for me.
Centered and at peace. Especially if it’s a long, not technical, trail run. During the run I can go through the gamut of emotions but I always somehow end up finishing calmer, happier and refreshed.
Running makes me feel like I’m doing something good for myself and others(running for TNT!).
Running makes me feel. It makes me feel all the emotions that I suppress and brings them to the surface. It seems the first mile brings them all up, next few miles I work through them, and the last cooldown mile is a relaxed bliss. I don’t consciously think about working through emotions or problems, it just happens.
Accomplished! Done. One thing off the list, and before 7am!? Add getting a shower before daddy leaves for work and it’s a bonus day. If I get nothing else done in a day, I still feel great. (Which translates to a better day for everyone, I believe!)
Also, Revived, Free, Lovely exhausted, fast, achingly slow, clear-headed, happy.
strong – Running makes me feel strong and alive and at peace.
Free . . . from worry. I am a worry wart by nature. Running lets me be free from worrying. The only worry I have on a run is if I am going to trip and fall. I’m also accident prone 🙂
Free!
Running makes me feel exhilarated and grateful that I can run. That my 40ish legs and feet can still carry me forward. That I can do what I thought I couldn’t do.
Gratitude…
grateful for a healthy body,
grateful for a supportive family,
grateful for a MOMENT to take care of myself,
grateful to be outside enjoying whatever crazy weather NW Montana throws at me.
I’ve been on the injured list for 4 weeks now, torn MCL, no running has made me realize how precious all of those runs were and will be once I’m back on the trail.
I’m extremely grateful for RLAM too, I’m not alone, not even close to it!!
Since I have just started running again after three kids, I have a mantra that I repeat on each and every run:
one. step. at. a. time.
whole
As a mom who is always giving others pieces of myself throughout the day….running gives me the pieces I need so I can give to others and make them whole. 🙂
Running gives me hope…
Hope to break past my limits on mileage or time… hope to be a better mother and wife … hope for so much greatness in my life~
Running makes me feel . . . energized.
accomplished! Which is something that feels like is never done with a house full of kiddos 5 and under!!
Running makes me feel like my young (old) self. I was an athlete in high school and college. Life, work and kids got in the way of maintaining my active lifestyle. I have recently gotten back into running (training for first half marathon!!!) and I am feeling better about everything. My husband has noticed the new and improved me both physically and psychologically. I truly feel like I can “Run like a Mother”.
I hate the process of running, but nothing gives me that “feel good” feeling like running does. I might hate the journey, but once I’m done, I’m already looking forward to the next run!
alive. grounded. in the moment. connected to the earth.
Running makes me feel FREE.
I’ve spent most of my twenties inside, on the couch, too depressed and lethargic to even go outside to get the mail, so now that I am getting stronger (mentally and physically) and I’m able to go outside, run and explore the town we’ve moved to, I get this feeling like I am breaking free and that there’s a whole world out there just waiting for me.
This feeling is made even stronger by the fact that I don’t drive, so I rely on my feet to take me where I need to go.
Running makes me feel special! I’m a military spouse and stay at home mom. I love those roles more than I can say but they are support roles, they are about helping others be their best. When I started running just a couple of years ago, my family supported ME! They cheered ME! They were proud of ME!
Accomplished!
Running makes me feel…free. It still amazes me that I can run. I don’t run as often as I should, but when I do, I feel connected to all the people who came before me and ran.
I’ve been overweight for most of my adult life. I ran a little in college, but nothing serious. After I got pregnant with my son I lost all motivation.
I remember for years after he was born, I’d have dreams where I was running. And I ran and ran and ran and felt great. But I couldn’t actually run.
I don’t have those dreams anymore because I live them in real life. I might not be as fast as I was in my dreams, lol, but now I get to feel the freedom that I had dreams about when I run.
When I run I feel powerful. After 5 kids and the physical effects of that, running makes me feel like I felt when I was 17 and ran track for my hs. I feel hopeful, I feel ephemeral, I feel light. Sometimes it feels as if I’m flying, when your feet hit their rhythm and for a moment it’s effortless. I live for that moment. And many other moments.
Running make me feel free! I am a working mom, and at the end of the day getting out to run tak me away to let my mind run empty and my feet run far. SOme times I feel like I should be flying! I may add in a hop and a jump along the way to bring back the feeling of being a kid again. I have just started back into running and am loving the way I feel when I am going and hit my stride!
Running is freedom, flight, and fancy…a time to truly be alive!
Running is like therapy, but cheaper. It’s my mental, physical, and emotional release. I crave it!
Running makes me feel connected and strong. Running makes me feel that I can accomplish anything that I put my mind to.
Running is my freedom 🙂
Running is my stress reliever, makes me feel free, and gives me that adrenaline rush I crave!
Running,
For me
For loved ones
For those who can’t and
For the ones who wish they could.
Who knows what tomorrow will bring…
Empty headed!! The only time I stop thinking about a list of things to do is when I’m running; my mind is happy! 🙂
Darn it! Just wrote a comment with a feeling for each letter of the alphabet but it got deleted. Drat! So here’s my best running feeling lately:
A 20-something that works with my husband saw me in my running clothes and began chanting “World’s Fastest Mom! World’s Fastest Mom!” I guess the feeling was a mix of “aw, shucks” and “damn straight!”
Running makes me feel like I’m flying:) Which is funny because I am painfully slow, but as a mom of seven running can be a real sanity saver!
powerful
Running is necessary. I don’t necessarily like it and I usually don’t necessarily enjoy it, but I think about the people who can’t or won’t and how I don’t ever want that to be me. So, I have to keep running, even it is very slowly.
Running makes me feel hopeful. I feel hopeful that running barefoot would make me feel even better! I actually wear vibram fivefingers everywhere but work, they’re great. Hubs wears bikilas for running too and raves about how much better his knees are.
I loathe “shoes”! I really do. Before my husband discovered five fingers, I would rush home JUST to take off my shoes! He bought a pair of five fingers for me about a year ago & I haven’t worn anything since. I don’t just run in mine. I do yoga, pilates, grocery shopping, & chasing my kids…all while wearing this great invention of simulated “barefootedness” 🙂
Running makes me feel in control!! I lost 129 pounds almost 20 years ago and now that mid life is hitting – running is my means of control through – empty nest, menopause and anything else life can throw at me!!
Running is a time where I use it to reflect and meditate on my life!
Running makes me feel free, whole, and healthy.
My words:
Alive
Connected
I love the feeling of the earth below me.
Running makes me feel free… free of stress, free of kids (for a period of time), sometimes running helps with all the problems of the day. Its a chance to “run” away from everything. Its just you and thats all you have to worry about!
Running makes me feel proud. Proud of myself for doing something that I never thought I’d do. Proud of myself for setting a good example for my little girl who is the love of my life. Proud of myself for sticking with it even when I don’t want to. Proud of my husband for starting to run and get healthy as well. Proud of myself for the first time in a very very very long time. Proud of my body for it’s strength and endurance. Just Proud.
I know its hot and humid and 110 degrees, but I can make it up that hill and back home, because RUNNING IS MY SANITY…
… successful 🙂 In every run, there’s a moment in which I think, “yes! I have succeeded, just by the fact that I am out here!”
I feel indestructible. When I run, I say “screw you” to cancer, to chemo, to side effects, to all the people who told me I couldn’t or shouldn’t or who believed I wouldn’t.
Oh man, what can I say that’s more inspiring than Heather’s comment?? Really, that’s why I run too….because I can. There are so many who can’t. I am thankful that I don’t have anything from preventing me from just lacing up my shoes, grabing my iPod and hitting the road. I do it because I love it (and my kids know that mom always comes back in a better mood) & will run until I absolutely can’t!!! 🙂
Younger… and Stronger… and “Wunderful”!
I’m 57 and ran my first half marathon in May (Hippie Chick) in 2:26 and participated in my first sprint tri last weekend (Wunder Woman) where I placed 3rd in my age group and can hardly believe I had a sub-9-minute mile pace in the run! My friend is such a great training buddy!
PROVE IT TO YOURSELF. That’s my current running mantra. When my confidence starts to waver while running hills or in the middle of a 32 K long run I remind myself why I’m running. Who am I really doing this for? My kids? My husband? To set an example for others? What am I so insecure for? Who am I afraid of letting down? What have I got to prove? I’m the only one that’s going to be let down by not following through on my goals and that’s why all I need to tell myself is PROVE IT TO YOURSELF.
Running reminds me of who I was before I became a mom and who I’ve become since I became a mom.
I’ve been injured. I finally gave up pushing through the pain and am resting. So my current running word is “forgiveness.” I’ve been running since right after my first child was born, more than twenty years ago. Now that I’m injured, I feel my body has betrayed me. And abandoning my running (and other sports) to rest an injury feels like a betrayal of myself for missing all those good-for-you and good-feeling moments. So, as I heal, I am working on forgiving my body for letting me down and forgiving myself for not running.
Invincible! At least lately. I am preparing for my first marathon and incorporating hills, speed work and of course, long runs into my training. In the beginning I felt intimidated (an eight mile run this week?!) and limited (and that’s not even a 1/3 of 26.2 miles?). Now, after tackling enormous hills, shaving seconds off my speed almost every week and being comfortable enough to sing with the Avett Brothers towards the end of my 14.6 mile run last Saturday, I feel like I can do anything. For now.
Running makes me feel like I’m free, free of kids and responsibilities.
Running is my meditation. I escape from everything and just pay attention to my breath and the gr0und. It is my morning cup of coffee. Through running I continue to feel alive. Everything else is then doable and even enjoyable.
Running – it’d have to be all about the ice cream at the end!!
Running makes me feel HEALTHY & ALIVE! I also feel that I am capable and able to overcome. I can breathe in the air!
I’m 46 and only started running 8 weeks ago. I’ve had extreme asthma for the last 30 years and was never really able to do any type of cardio exercise. When I was in my 20’s, I wrote a sort of bucket list of things that I always wanted to do but couldn’t and running was at the top of the list. After years and years of ER visits, research hospitals, steroids, nebulizers, inhalers, Dr.’s visits, allergy tests and shots, medications and just down right feeling ooky, depressed and incapable, I decided to try going meatless and dairy-free on a whim…cold turkey (or should I say Tofurkey). Within a few months my asthma has nearly disappeared. Um…why couldn’t a doctor have told me to try that? I always did eat good organic food, not junk or processed food.
So recently, I revisited my bucket list and decided to try running. I now run 1/2 the time in Vibram Five Finger Sprints and 1/2 the time barefoot. I still can’t run far (about 3-4 miles tops at a time) but doing this is the best thing I could have ever done for myself. My lungs are healing, my feet and leg muscles are getting stronger and my confidence is gaining…and I maybe even feel a bit sexier! YAY!!!
Running makes me feel strong and alive, healthy and capable.
Running makes me feel like I can do anything.
I love to run. My best running is out on the trails whether it be high desert, trees, rivers, mud, snow. You name it. The sense of getting lost in the out doors can be so renewing. I compete in ultras not because I am fast (because I am not), but because I can finish. Well, gotta go renew myself and get in a few miles before dinner. 🙂
New to this, not a runner YET.
I’ve just gotten my first five fingers (Sprints) and will begin the couch to 5K program soon. I am currently 7 weeks postpartum from baby #4, so running will be quite a challenge in the beginning.
Who knows, maybe I’ll love running!
Running makes my HAPPY! I never thought I could enjoy running. When I was young, I always hated it every time I tried to run. Now, I’m almost 50 and after 2 years of going with my husband to his races and watching the variety of people who run – short, tall, big, small, young, old, etc. I decided, “Why not me?” So, I did the C25K program and have been running every since!
I started wearing VFFs a year ago and absolutely love them! Since wearing them, I have no more plantar fascitis problems, no more hip and knee pain. I love VFFs!
I also love to run!
Tricia
I run in Five-Fingers, have been for almost a year now. When I run in them, I feel graceful. Fairy-like. I hop over boulders, tiptoe through streams, and feel like I can run forever! Sadly, my KSOs are almost worn out and a new pair are not in the family budget right now, but a new pair of Bikilas would make as happy as a little girl!
relaxed…
Powerful and in control! No matter what negative things happen in the course of a day, a good run always makes things better.
Running makes me feel like I’m not there yet but I will be…soon.
Running is hard, freeing, powerful, relentless, daunting, joyful, glorious, humbling, motion. It is the easiest and hardest thing I do. It makes me the best of who I am and challenges my assumptions of myself. Running is.
Hmmm…running makes me feel YOUNG AGAIN!! You may laugh when I reveal my age to be only 35, but after 23 yrs of NOT running, and 4 kids…..I feel like each time I get out of the house to run, a piece of me feels younger…almost INVINCIBLE! And as I work on longer and longer distances…I keep telling myself,”If you can birth 4 children into this world…with no Meds, Au Natural….. then you can do THIS!”
Running makes me feel accomplished. I made time for me, kids are letting me do what’s best for the whole family, and I’m taking care of everyone by taking care of me!
Running is my time to focus on myself as a woman. I feel a connection with myself that I can have a hard time doing during the chaos of having three kids under the age of six! So the time I have running each morning is my time to recharge my strength, connect with myself and get ready to begin another wonderful interesting day.
I am just starting to interval train with running and I know these would help, running makes me feel energized!
Running makes me feel strong, secure, and balanced. Feeling each stride on the ground makes me connected to something bigger than me, bigger than all the worries of being a mother, wife, employee, and human being. With each breath of fresh air I feel my lungs feeling up and my body getting the fresh air it is so desperate for. For those few minutes I feel free of everything, running takes me back to me, gives me the time to listen to myself and remember I am strong, healthy and beautiful, just like the earth I am running on.
Running means quiet from my normally busy, noisy world as Mom. It’s hard, but it feels so good. I’m so inspired by many of the beautiful responses to this post. I’ve been thinking about going barefoot – a new pair of these sassy things would be such a treat!
Running simply makes me feel Good. I feel a sense of peace, my body & mind feel strong.
Running is my solace. When I run, I escape to my own world. I am alone and free. I am not dealing with phone calls, emails, crying/fighting children, dirty dishes, laundry, etc. It is the only time when I can be by myself without fear of being interrupted. As a wife and mother of four children, I find it important to take some time each day to rejuvenate and running is my way of doing that. Plus, it has all the amazing health benefits as well. It keeps me physically and emotionally healthy.
Running makes me feel free!
I have discovered this great blog today and ordered the book right away !
I started to run a few weeks ago and actually train for my first 5K race.
When i run, i feel connected to my true self, alone in nature , sensing my body, connected to my thoughts, connected to my soul.
As a mother of 2, nanny of 3 and spouse, my runnings have truely became my oxygen !
I can’t imagine my life without the ablility to run. I love running with my dog and she loves it too!!! They should make five fingers for my dog too!!! (she told me to write that). I love getting outside and feeling one with nature and mother earth. Also, to set a good example to my children that exercise is so vital to your every day life. Thank you for your blog which is very helpful for info on running. Have a wonderful day, and run!!!
Running reminds me that I can breathe and relax!! It also is always a natural boost of confidence for me.
Fast!!
When I run, I feel…well, many things: strong, invigorated, tired, free, happy, determined, relaxed, excited and many more. It is a great release for me.
Fighter is my word. I’m fighting for everything I want in life. Nothing held back, especially in my running. I’m fighting through the physical pain, the mental insecurity, letting go of the guilt in finding time for myself.
I want it, I’m going for it. I might not get it, but I will fight till the end and can at least say, “I tried.”
Running = intention. I’m trying to live my life intentionally. To think and act with intention. To not miss what’s going on in my world.
When I run, I feel…. MYSELF!
Running makes me feel like I can accomplish more than just washing clothes and dishes.
Just bought the book yesterday, already halfway through! Geez why am I not done yet? I love it so much!
My running words are ” I’m a runner ” I used to doubt myself and my abilities, but telling myself I am a part of this amazing group of individuals who I’ve always admired and let’s face it, been jealous of, makes me keep pushing forward. It also gives me a definition of myself independent of anyone else. I’m no longer a mommy, a wife, a nutrition major, a volunteer, a daughter, a friend. I’m a runner. By my own choice, my own self-determination, my own will, however wavering it may be at times, I’m a runner.
I just want to run!
Depending on the day, running makes me feel emotional, grounded, focused, and/or calm. It always makes me feel in control because no one is in charge of my runs but me. When mothering children, that is the thing that gets me out the door. 🙂
Running is still pretty new to me, but I find it almost meditative. Something I can focus on 100% if I want, or just use as a rhythm for my thoughts.
Running makes me feel younger! No matter how slow or how fast my pace is, when I finish a run I feel as though the years are rolling off with the sweat.
I can do it!
(I’m trying to lose 50lbs from baby #2…My last child, #3 is 2yrs old. So, I’m trying to get back into running…I have a pair of Vibram Sprints & love them…They make me feel younger and more athletic)
I feel healthy! And like I am no longer the smoking, over eating, unhealthy person I was 5 years ago before I started running.
When I run I feel free of everything that I have to do. I am alone with myself and God. I can stretch myself and know that he is there with me pushing me through. I am able to leave everything that I have to get done back at home…for the time being at least. It completes me on days I don’t feel complete. Without running, some days I don’t know what I would do. Thanks so much for the opportunity to win a pair of these. I have been researching these for a little while now…I guess I should just take the plunge! 🙂
I have always love to run. There is a sence of freedom and no worries that attach to you. Running was for me my world’s escape into an accomplishing place. Running took me to my happy place. However, this is what happened to me.
I was an avid Martial Artist for 14 years and and runner for about the same. I joined the military to serve my country and I finished my service with many health troubles. My back has not been the same.
Ever since finishing my enlistment all I wanted to do was to go back to my Karate and running. I came to find out that my back is in terrible shape. I did not want to hear “disabled” in my Dr’s mouth, but that is what occured. I gained about 50 pounds of pity. I saw life as an empty place.
One day I decided to stop my private pity party and do something about it. I got into a strict diet, I lost 30 pounds. I started to slowly run. I got hurt in the process, but I was determined to make it. I signed up for a 3k, then for a 5k, then for an 8k and then for a 10k and eventually wanted to go to a half marathon. I made it up to the training, but found out that I was pregnant. I lost that baby. I went back to trainning; my happy place. To find out six weeks later that I was pregnant again.
I still ran, but not as much. I regain the weight I’ve once lost and once again the pity party wanted to start….but now I have a reason to go strong. I have two beautiful children that love me and want to see me healthy and happy. I will get back in track and get my back stablelized so I can do what I love best! Running with my children and together going to our happy place.
Running makes me feel empowered. No one can take my strength and endurance away from me.
Running makes me feel… bored, but healthy! I hear and read stories everyday of women who experience a “high” when running long distances and just lose track of time. I definitely get the adrenaline rush post-run, but am still feeling bored during my runs! Maybe I’ll get the high once I get past running 4 miles, until then I’ll just keep pushing through the boredom knowing that once I am finished I will feel healthy and fantastic.
From an anti-runner to an age grouper triathlete, running’s opened a whole new window of “peace time” for me… Nothing beats my 5:30am run in the park!