Why I Started Running

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There are many reasons that people run. Here is why I started running. 

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It's healthy. 

Running is not only a way to get a good workout in, but it has many benefits. 

• It improves your overall health, but can also increase your lung function. If you want proof of this one, just come watch me huff and puff, until halfway through my run, when I actually start sounding normal again and complete my workout. 
• It may help prevent diseases, strokes, or heart attacks. For women, it also may help decrease the chances of breast cancer. 
• It's great for weight loss. 
• It's a great stress reliever, helps boost your confidence, and can help eliminate depression. 

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It's fun. 

No, really, It is. I never really thought that I would start running. And still wouldn't classify myself as a runner, but it's beginning to be more a part of my journey. There are mornings now where I wake up and immediately put on my workout clothes and head out the door. A couple weeks ago, I actually got all dressed up and then was greeted with the sound and sight of thunder and lightening. All dressed up and no place to run. I enjoy running because it gets me out the house, let's me get my mind off my long to-do list, and puts my focus on me. That last one might sound a little selfish, but if I actually want to continue with the changes that I've begun, I've got to focus on me and allow myself to believe I deserve this. 

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It's given me a goal. 

Right now I'm doing my run workouts using the Couch to 5K program. It's an 8 Week program that trains you for 30 minutes, three times a week, for eight weeks. The ultimate goal is for you to be able to run for 30 minutes or 3 miles successfully. And to complete a 5K. Now, my goal right now is NOT to run a 5K. If I was thinking in that mindset, I honestly probably wouldn't finish the program. My goal IS to complete each day and each week. IF I run a 5K at the end, that's just icing on the cake. My other goal is also to obviously keep losing weight. I'm not close to my ultimate goal weight, but I like to set short term goals. So, I'm actually only 4 lbs. away from my next short term goal weight. 

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It's more than a resolution. 

I didn't start running just because it was a new year and a new, fun, and exciting thing to do. I didn't start running because all my friends were doing it. I didn't start running because of all the sleek and slim models on the covers of magazines. 


I started running because I want to change my life. 
I want to keep losing weight (safely). 
I want to live a more healthy lifestyle. 
I want to feel better about myself. 
I want to have more energy. 

But, mostly I started running because my body is a temple and God has entrusted me with this temple. He didn't give me this body to waste it away. He gave me this body to take care of in the best way possible. All so I can serve Him better. 

Isn't that why he created me? So that I can glorify him? Absolutely. 

I am called to honor him in every aspect of my life. 
Including my body. 

It's more than a resolution. It's a calling. 

It's a calling to be something great. 
It's a calling to be the daughter He wants me to be. 
It's a calling to live the life that He wants me to have. 
It's a calling to be free from sin and to live in freedom. 

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"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."
1 Corinthians 6:18-20

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Do you run? What made you want to start running? If you don't run, what is your favorite form of exercise?

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Follow Me :)

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Some of the tips in this post were taken from this article here.