how I fell inlove with running!

Today's blog post, as per title, is about my little love journey with running. If you're here from Instagram then you might have already seen a thousand stories of me out for a run. So, I decided to share how I cannot stop because I'm OBSESSED!

---

---

I started running by walking, yep! The walk part was rather shortlived and jogging came up next. There are so many reasons why I might never let go of running as a form of exercise and this love is something I get to enjoy a little everyday! My favourite part has got to be that there are no rules! Unlike gym (still trying to get the hang of actual workouts) there are no rules to running. I can go for as long as want as fast or slow and the high is glorious whichever way.

I believe the first stepping stone to this love was my reason why I was willing to start and my reason has nothing to do with my health! Actually, I have a really cheesy reason why I even started - I really like how athletes look when they do their thing. I like that idea of being athletic and I know my primary WHY is vain but I love it, I wanted to be the hot girls who workout in the mornings and now I am!

Being athletic has nothing to do with how I looked or being perfect at it, I believe starting for me was more about wanting the experience of someone who is interested in seeing their body move.

---

"Visualize the woman you want to be, then start showing up as her."

Whenever I read this prompt, my mind races but the person I want to be is so great I nearly feel overwhelmed, but I start with where I am and I know I always want to invest in my body and not always depend on genes (although, thanks Ma). I also believe this was my standpoint when I started with my running, I wanted to be hotter and I was open to trying something new but the idea had to be planted which brings me to the next important determinant of falling in love! COMPANY!

This "vain" reason is the source of my very inspirational morning routine, so no slander of vanity is allowed here.

---

I've always had really awesome people around me who were already into physical wellbeing and were keen on putting me on and it was not always hectic bench press sessions - a few of my dearest friends played sports and while I'm no sportswoman I believe their love for physical wellbeing definitely rubbed off on me. Forever grateful for their willingness and grace!

So, I was not entirely a newbie to roadwork running I started with wherever I was and with whomever, it has certainly gotten more beautiful over time because my self-consciousness has thinned drastically.

---

At the start of my journey with running, I did not even know I'd benefit as much as I do! However, I definitely did feel something different after my very first jog and I just knew I'd keep going until I felt confident enough in doing it by myself.

There are countless perks of being physically healthy, and running gets plenty in the bag for me! Besides a gorgeous body, these are other benefits I get from running:

MORE ENERGY.

Like any other person who has physical activities as a part of their morning routine, I tend to have way more energy during the day than when I do not go for a run. Initially, I'd be so tired when it clocked 3p.m. but I extended grace to those moments and I'd end my night earlier or take naps during the day. Overtime, my body adapted to this as a way of life and to my delight when I do not move my body in the morning I had dull days that make my body feel just as dull.

PRODUCTIVITY

With my newfound energy, I found my productivity levels have increased because with this energy I got around to my tasks with more zeal. While I advocate for rest I also value efficiency and effectiveness, so it is important for me to have measurable tasks that I get to complete throughout my day to nudge me closer to my goals. These do not have to huge tasks like moving the couches (although, I am addicted to changing things around!) Something like conducting research on a topic I want to write really excites me because I have energy to do it!

Also, my mind always feels better after a run and I believe this is a Goldie for all those who workout, the hormones our bodies release are responsible for this and I'm so thankful for this little extra. I've often fallen deeper into slumps of sadness such that I feel inconsolable but I like that running gives me that self-help effect and makes it easier for me to try harder.

Honestly, the benefits are many but no one knows which is their favorite until they have started and I think learning more about how this form of exercise helps me, my body and overall health makes it even more fun to keep going at it.

As always, thank you for reading, happy movement and happier body!

Lots of love,

Luxe Ledi.

♡