Thinking about running?

I typically wouldn't think to write a post about running but I believe there is someone who can benefit from it!

First and foremost I want you to know that I was never a "runner" and even now it is still weird to hear someone call me one! I was a gymnast from the time I could walk, and lets just say anything with long distance endurance growing up was not my thing! I always had a competitive drive but truly got my fix with gymnastics. After suffering from a concussion Sophomore year of High-school and what felt like my entire life being taken away from me I turned to running, and it brought me out of a pretty rough time in my life.

My relationship with running has had it's highs and it most definitely has had it's lows but I will say that it has given me the ability to move my body whenever I want. I am not any sort of pro runner, but I do have some tips and tricks about getting into running and continuing! Don't go out for your first day of running and think "Okay I got this I am going to push through and run 2 miles straight" most likely you won't AND if you do you most likely won't run again for a month. Start off with something small. Maybe you are going to run and walk for 15 minutes. 2 minutes of running and 3 minutes of walking! Give yourself a break, I know at first there was nothing more comforting than knowing in 30 seconds I got to walk!

I know that the idea of running literally makes people miserable but I want to tell you some perspectives that shifted that mindset for me!

1. It is FREE. That's right people if you want to become a runner all you have to do is put on some running shoes and start running. When gyms close down it doesn't affect you because you don't even have to go to the gym for it!

2. You get to run through every season! Don't get me wrong gearing up for a run in 25 degree weather in the winter isn't something I ever thought I would enjoy but now those winter runs have become a huge blessing. Snow on the ground all around you almost silences everything else. It is a beautiful time for me to go to the Lord and talk through life!

3. Endorphins!!! Every time I don't feel like running but I do, I automatically feel better. That is straight up science but I also like to believe it has something to do with the physical act of running.

4. Growth comes when you push through the hardest most painful times. This is not only a life lesson but also a running lesson. This morning on my run I felt great that first mile but at about mile 2 I could feel my body thinking "Taylor let's take a break" and I have been doing A LOT of that on my runs recently. That is the moment you have to decide to push through and keep going, ask yourself if you really want to see change? Dig deep, and little by little you will see improvement. It might not be in pace at first and that is okay! It could been in the way you feel, energy, or even just attitude while you are running!

All of these things have come after 8 years of running and many of months of not running in between. Lots of injuries and learning to listen to my body when it needs a break! 99% of running is a mind game, our brains tell our bodies we can't go anymore, we need to stop, we won't make it. I guarantee if you push past that point you will discover that your mind was lying to you. You will not die if you push for 60 more seconds. So if you are like me and know that running on a treadmill for hours in a gym with a face mask on is not your thing, I have linked some of my favorite winter workout gear. All the essentials to make sure that your running game doesn't die out once the cold months hit!

For starters I can't run without my Adidas Ultraboost if you can tell they even are developing a little hole in the left big toe! I always run in my in my CALIA by Carrie Underwood Jacket! My exact one is last year and sold out but I have linked something similar. Lastly I have 2 brands of leggings that I am always working out in. First is the Aerie Offline Brand these leggings are TO DIE FOR. I am seriously raving about them 24/7!! I haven't tried them for the winter yet so I can't say how warm they will keep you but I am sure they will come out with something soon! The leggings I ran in all last year and they kept me super warm were my Fabletics Powerhold leggings! I love these and have about 4 pairs that I switch out all winter!