I am not a runner. Let’s get that clear right off the bat. I don’t have the mental strength nor the physical toughness to be a runner.

Running is supplementary for me. It is not a passion.

I am simply a surfer who likes to run.

I added running to my exercise routine a few years back to mix up my workouts and create some mental and physical balance.

Then I started blogging. Blogging is an extremely time-consuming endeavor. I could literally sit on my ass in front of my computer 24/7.

Except for surfing, my time allotted for exercise diminished as I put all extra time and effort into creating a successful blog and starting a business.

This started to take it’s toll on my physical and mental health.

This was no bueno.

The more I allowed blogging to take over, the less time I devoted to moving my body. And the more I craved the mental clarity that a good run brought.

So last week, I made a commitment to myself (because self-care takes a commitment) to start running again.

[Tweet “Self-care takes making a commitment to ourselves. #selfcare”]

And. It. Was. awesome.

[If you need tips on how to ‘up’ your self-care game, download my guide: 31 days Of Self-Care.]

Even though I have to wear knee braces and I’d never be able to do it without my music, I love going on a run.

I had forgotten how good it feels.

As I was running, I started to remember lessons I had learned when I first started.

Ten lessons I learned when I started running:

1. The first 5 minutes are always the hardest. When I’m running, I always complain in my mind for the first 5 minutes. As my body is warming up and I am settling into my stride, I always just want to stop. Always. It seems like too much work. And isn’t this how it is when we are trying something new or difficult in life? The beginning is always the hardest. Lesson learned: When you want to stop, just keep putting one foot in front of the other. [Tweet “When you want to stop, just keep putting one foot in front of the other.”]
2. You can always go longer than you think you can. After I am well into my run, I will notice how hard I’m breathing or think how good it would feel to stop and take a break. I get into a battle of wills between my mind and body and it takes everything in me not to let my body win. I mentally push myself to go just a little further. Even when I think I can’t go on, I can. Lesson learned: When things get hard and we want to quit, these are the times we show ourselves how strong we are.
3. Stretch. As I’ve gotten older, I have realized how a simple stretch before and after a run can make all the difference. Stretching my body helps me get the most out of my run. This is also true in life. When I stretch myself, by trying something new or getting out of my box, it allows me to get the most out of life. Lesson learned: Stretching our body and our mind is always a good idea.
4. Set little goals goes a long way. When I am on a run and I inevitably get tired and want to stop, I will give myself micro goals. I will say, “Ok, I’ll just make it to the end of the sidewalk, to that black truck up ahead, or 3 more blocks.” Any little goal that is doable. Then, when I reach that goal, I make another small goal. These small manageable goals take me to the end of my run. Lesson learned: Small goals or big goals, they both get you to the same place in the end.
5. Quitting makes you feel shitty. I hate the feeling when I quit something. When I underestimate myself or overestimate the task and just stop because it’s easier. When I quit, I know in my heart that I am selling myself short. I can complete the task, I just don’t want to because it gets hard. I get lazy. And I. Hate. Lazy. This is such a cop-out and it’s like I’m telling myself, “You can’t do it, so I’m just gonna bail you out and stop.” Lesson learned: Quitting is a cop-out. You will always feel worse if you quit. [Tweet “Quitting is a cop-out. You will always feel worse if you quit.”]
6. Music gets me through anything. I would never be able to run without my iPod.  Just like when I am dealing with things in life. Sad times. Happy times. Stressful times. Music is there. Lesson learned: Music always makes it better.
7. When I give myself the time and space, I can solve any problem. Running gives me alone time where I am able to hear myself.  In this nutty world, we have constant distractions and things to fill our brain, even when no one is around. Running gives me a chance to do a personal check in and work through anything that is literally on my mind. Lesson learned: Time spent with yourself alone, free of distractions, is necessary.
8. I always feel better when I move my body. As hard as it is sometimes to get motivated to stop what I’m doing and make time for exercise, I never regret it. It helps me feel healthy and strong. Lesson Learned: Exercise is an important part of self-care. 
9. Being outside in nature helps ground me. When I can get outside in the natural sunlight and breathe in the fresh air, it helps me get out of my own mind and more in tune with the world. Lesson learned: It’s good sometimes to recognize how small we are in relation to the universe.
10. When I get outside for a run, I realize the importance of taking a break. Life isn’t all about working, or blogging, or parenting. We all need a break. This is a part of self-care. Lesson learned: Self care is imperative if we are to live well-balanced, full lives. [Tweet “Self care is imperative if we are to live well-balanced, full lives.”]
11. And here’s a bonus: Stay hydrated. Your body and skin will thank you.

If you need ways (besides running) to make your own self-care a priority, download my free self-care guide.

And if you are interested in reading more about running from real runners, check out these blogs:

Monica-Bruno.com  Monica is a writer, mom, avid runner, and yogi. She’s does it all and makes it look easy!

Sizzlingtowardssixty.com.au  Sue is a go-getter that started running in her 50s! She helps women in midlife believe that age is just a number.

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Salty Kisses,