When I started running, I had no idea how much it would affect my life. I started doing it to get in better shape, but it gave me so much more. Running gave me a purpose and a drive. There is no greater feeling than crossing the finish line of a race. You’re filled with adrenaline and such a sense of pride & accomplishment.
That feeling is addictive, so after my first race, I signed up for another race and then another to continue chasing that feeling. While I was doing this, I never really stopped to think about the effects it was having on my life, but they are profound and go way beyond just the health benefits.
Happiness: I’m an introvert, so I recharge best with some alone time. Although I like to run with my running partners, we give each other space and time to think, which re-energises me. I don’t think I realized before how much this affects my mood.
But now that I have this time to myself multiple times per week, my daily moodiness is gone. I can’t even begin to describe how different my attitude and outlook on life are. The change was subtle, and it took me a while to recognize it, but I am absolutely a happier person.
Self-Confidence: From as young as the age of 8, I felt ashamed of my body. I vividly remember a time in grade 3 when the girls were measuring to see how far their thighs were from the tops of the desks. My thighs were the closest, and from that point in my life on, I was aware of my body and didn’t feel comfortable.
I used to buy clothes that were too big to hide my body. I hated being in a bathing suit. I used to not even be comfortable with my husband. But ever since I started running and exercising regularly, that completely changed. I haven’t lost any weight; I just feel better about myself. Now, I’m proud of my body and its strength. I’m okay with others seeing it. It’s so empowering to feel free of body shame, and it motivates me to continue on my fitness journey.
Courage: “The miracle isn’t that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start”. That quote is one of my favourites because I resonate entirely with it. I remember when my friend was training for her first half marathon. People asked me if I would run the 21.1km, too. I just laughed. Me? Never. I honestly didn’t think I was capable.
But through running, my confidence improved, and I got up the courage to sign up for my first half marathon. It was terrifying, and on the day of the race, I wanted to puke, but I got to the start, and I crushed my way to the finish.
New Friends: Before I joined Run Walk for Life in Rustenburg, I felt lonely. Being introverted and shy, I struggle to form new friendships, but running and blogging gave me common interests with people. I have met some of the most incredible people who have become great real-life friends to me now. We actually call ourselves "The Running Divas"
When I say exercise & running changed my life, I really mean it. I owe so, so much to running and the running community that I just want to shout from the rooftops: Thank You, RWFL!!!!
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