As I reflect on 2017 and think about the running adventures, injuries, stress, and sickness, I can say I made it through. I don’t want to just make it through the year. I know most people wouldn’t do what I do, and get up every morning between 4:30-5 am, slip on the shoes and go out for a run. Running has been my saving grace. My way to relieve stress, anger, hurt, and pain. When I found the love of running over seven years ago, I never looked back. Running has now become a part of me, a part of my marriage, and a part of decision I make. Even though 2017 ende
d stressful I can look back and say, “What an awesome year of lessons!”
What are you goals for this coming year? Do you want to get healthier? Lose a few pounds, or decrease anxiety and depression? The only way to do all that and more is to get out and exercise. I know, I know, you aren’t a runner. You can’t run. You have something getting in your way, a health concern, you’ve never done it, or simply you don’t want to. The key to a healthy life is step one: make the decision to live a healthy life! You have to start somewhere. So, start where you are. Ok, so you can’t run (just yet). If you get out of bed every morning and your feet touch the ground and you can walk to the bathroom and hop in the shower, then you can start there. You begin to just walk, one step at a time. You start slow and then build up from there. That’s how I started. When I started this process seven years ago, I couldn’t even walk from my front door to the mailbox! No kidding…
Everyone gets excited on January 1. It’s a new year. A new beginning. You start off like gang busters and by week two, it’s all over. And you go back to your old habits. Why? You possibly hurt yourself or you just feel this isn’t for you. I’m going to let you in on a secret. It is for you. You want to know why? Because again, if you wake up every morning and your feet touch the ground and you can walk from your bed to the shower, then you can do this. Make a plan to walk slow and keep the distance down until you feel you have conquered that short distance. The distance can be as short as 100 yards, but it’s 100 yards more than what you were doing last year. I have a friend who started walking around his neighborhood last January and has now increased his mileage to 3 miles! He just started with less than a quarter of a mile. He said by going out and walking every day for just 15-30 minutes a day he felt less stressed, tired, and started losing a few pesky pounds. Do you want to do the same?
You can. Make that first decision to start and then stick with it. The key is to stick it out even on days you don’t feel like it. When those days pop up find a friend that can help you or find a coach. You will feel so much better once the shoes are laced and you head out the door. Your physical and mental health will thank you for doing something positive and sticking with it. You only get one life and why not live it the healthiest you can? Grab your shoes right now, lace them up, and head out to door. Make this the best year of your life.
Happy New Year from Kevin and Marybeth Hrim