Run like the wind.. or a slight breeze

I never became a great runner. I don’t set the quickest pace, and my form is far from perfect. But running allowed me to practice the art of finishing what I start – and for that, I will always love running passionately.

Over a decade ago I committed to running each and every morning. I figured it was something I could do every morning no matter what my schedule was like, or where I was. Have legs? Can run! So off I went… I completed the same set distance of 7km every morning and simply worked on improving my time.

As I began each run, I would question myself and my ability to complete the entire run – but I didn’t stop. I often cursed, and slowed down..but I kept moving.

And I would always finish.

I would literally give myself a little hi-5 as my parked car came into sight and I realised I had actually, successfully managed to finish the run without giving up.

Over time, I began to trust my body. I knew that it was strong enough to complete the run – I had done it before, I could certainly do it again.

Each day, I was afforded the opportunity to battle with my internal dialogue. When my thoughts were pessimistic and lazy and told me I wasn’t a runner, and that I couldn’t make it the whole way – my body told a different story and showed me otherwise.

Slowly, my thoughts came into alignment with the strength of my body. I knew I could, so I did. I didn’t have a moment when all of a sudden the self doubt disappeared and was replaced with positivity and affirmations. I just started showing up, and doing the run without over thinking it.

This started to trickle into other areas of my training. I stopped questioning myself and wasting time dreading workouts, I just showed up and got on with it…and revelled in the sense of accomplishment and flood of endorphins I was rewarded with each time I exercised.

Running has allowed me to enter many events within my community. I have completed running events with friends by my side, and family members cheering for me at finish lines. I started with fun runs and built up to running many half marathons and even full marathons (thats 42km of crazy!). I have travelled the world and completed running events – my favourite being the Hollywood Half Marathon!

Knowing you have put in the time to trust your body to carry you through a challenge and to be able to throw your hands in the air and cheer when you cross a finish line is so much fun, and something I think everyone should have the chance to experience! This euphoric feeling is something I wish I could bottle and share!

So even if you have never run before – just start. Little by little, day by day you will improve! Undoubtedly the benefits to your overall health and physical appearance can be motivation enough to begin running regularly, but the deeper lesson to be found within challenging your mental state and holding yourself accountable to finishing what you start will be just as rewarding!

See you at the finish line!