Top 10 things running has taught me

As I went for a late afternoon run yesterday I pondered the top 10 things I have learned as I have embraced running.  Here's my list:

I have learned....

10.  to spit while running.  The art of spitting properly is not taught to most girls.  So to learn how to do this effectively while running I think is pretty damn cool.  I know this one is silly in relevance to the other items, but this one made me laugh the hardest.

9.  to let go of "what I think I look like" while running.  I think most women have a hard time with exercising because we don't want to look bad or stupid doing it.  At this point I don't really give a crap how much my boobs bounce or what my hair looks like.

8. to breathe.  I mean really breathe.  Running, especially long distances requires you to be attuned to your breathing.  If  you can't control your breathing you are screwed.

7.  to be in the moment.  I will say that a lot of the time while I am running I am processing all sorts of stuff, work, family, what I should be eating, etc.  But, I have also found that I am taking more time to really be present, notice my surroundings and the beauty, enjoying the time and spirit of my dog as she runs with me,  or showing  gratitude to my fellow runners, especially those that pass me and I wish them luck.  (Someday I hope to be faster and be the one doing more passing.)

6. to listen to my body.  I think most people have  huge disconnect between their head, their heart, and their body.  I will say running has taught me to pay attention even to the slightest of sensations.  That being said a lot of those sensations are my legs, glutes, traps asking me (screaming at me) to stop.  I definitely acknowledge that they are not totally digging going out for 13.1+ miles, but instead tell myself it will be okay and that my body can handle this.

5. that time does matter.  Most people just roll through their days without a true concept of time or its value.  From running I have really come to value my time.  The time I spend away from my family to go for a long 18 mile run, all the way down to the 3 seconds I save and set a PR.  Every second it precious.

4. goals cannot be accomplished without a plan, and that plan needs to be worked on a daily basis.  This one really hit home when I completed my first full marathon last year.  This was a BHAG of a goal, but I broke it down (with the help of my trainer, Jen), and came up with a plan that I worked at everyday to achieve it.

3. it's okay to give myself a break.  This is a tough one for me. People are much more critical of ourselves than anyone else.  I have found that I have to accept the days when I am not really feeling it and running fast, and just let myself walk.  And more over appreciate the fact that I can walk.  Showing self kindness is a lost art, again one that is not taught to most women.

2. that I am strong.  Strong is powerful adjective that I think for the most part people (specially women) do not apply to themselves.  I am proud to say that I have great physical power; have moral or intellectual power

1. to tell self doubt to take flying leap.  You know that nagging voice in your head that tells you all the shit that you can't do, or that you suck, yadda yadda yadda.  Well I finally had a come to Jesus conversation with that voice and told it no longer could run around wreaking havoc on me.  I have found faith in myself that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to.