As COVID-19 stretches on, these past couple of months we have been given the opportunity to reevaluate the meaning of our identity.  Identity is a collection of attributes and qualities that defines how we view ourselves.  For the first time in quite some time I am exploring and reconnecting with my sense of identity.

I realize that the methods of caring for myself have changed over the years. I refocused some parts of my identity when I became a wife and mother.  I guess that’s the way it’s supposed to be because we’re no longer the same as we once were.  In fact, I needed to shift some part of my identity when I became a mother and wife.  The problem is, that this shift was not just an identity shift but also a shift to my physical and mental health.

At forty plus and a mother, I realize I can’t keep ignoring my body.  What’s more, I have come to the conclusion that I can’t ask my sons to have a healthy relationship with their body if I don’t have one with mine.

It is a strange question to address in one’s forties:  How can I reconnect with my youthful qualities and attributes that once brought me bliss?  This posed question made me realize that I needed to visit my past, in order shift back into honoring my body. 

In an instant, I was spirited away to my running years.  I threw myself into bringing back the feeling that we’re attached to and how I used to feel after a nice long run.  I remember the runner’s natural high that I use to get from pounding the pavement.

During the week I gathered the courage to put on my running shoes and take my first run. I was so excited to reclaim the runner’s natural high and start honoring my body through physical activity.  I’m BACK!

First run or should I say run/walk.  My idea was fairly simple: getting my family to join me, after all, my husband and kids are in great shape. Secondly, getting my running clothes, shoes, hat and sunscreen and heading out the door.  Sounded like the perfect plan until I began feeling fatigued.  I needed to remember to begin by running at a comfortable pace until the feeling of fatigued fades.  

My first week of running/walking was fantastic and I ran 20 to 30 minutes without putting excess stress on my body.  Within four weeks, I ran without walking for 2 miles. I sense the natural runner’s high but this time it’s more potent and gratifying.  The physical bliss that running brought me in my twenties is still true today but the awareness that I implement into being present and running are powerful elements.  

Running is not about just moving my body to burn calories; I have found that running is about reclaiming my sense of identity through physical, spiritual and mental practices.  I will honor my body, be an athlete and the warrior mother.  This is who I am. 

I hope you enjoyed my new running journey. Below I have listed just a few recommendations to inspire comfort, solutions and inspiration in your running journey!

RELIEVE PICK

ProsourceFit High Density Foam Roller - 36" x 6"

Eucalyptus Essential Oil

FUEL PICK

PlantYourDay | Plant-Based Vegan Protein Powder | Chocolate Flavor | Low Calorie | Prebiotics and Probiotics | Fiber | with Greens and Superfoods

APP PICK

Nike Run Club “love Guided Runs”

Spotify PLAY LIST

Sunshowers

SoulWorkout

Summer Healing Session- You Matter

PERSONAL FAST TRACK RUNNING PLAN

Mindful Running: The door for deeper connections within yourself.

Mindful running is a vague term that means a lot of things to a lot of different people, but it really comes down to being present.

WEEK 1 Running Plan: 

Day 1: After a 5-10 minute warm up with a brisk walk, begin your run/walk intervals. Run at an easy pace for 1 minute, and then walk for 5 minutes. Repeat that sequence 3 times.

Day 2: Run at an easy pace for 1 minute, and then walk for 4 minutes. Repeat that sequence 3 times.

Day 3: Rest. 

Day 4: Run at an easy pace for 2 minutes, and then walk for 4 minutes. Repeat that sequence 3 times.

Day 5: Rest 

Day 6: Run at an easy pace for 3 minutes, and then walk for 3 minutes. Repeat that sequence 3 times.

Day 7: Rest.

WEEK 2 Running Plan

Day 8: Run at an easy pace for 4 minutes, and then walk for 2 minutes. Repeat that sequence 3 times.

Day 9: Rest

Day 10: Run at an easy pace for 5 minutes, and then walk for 2 minutes. Repeat that sequence 3 times.

Day 11: Run at an easy pace for 6 minutes, and then walk for 2 minutes. Repeat that sequence 3 times.

Day 12: Rest.

Day 13: Run at an easy pace for 7 minutes, then walk for 2 minutes, and then run at an easy pace for 7 minutes.

Day 14: Rest