Blog Post 03: Why Run and How to Start
Running was the only thing that flattened my stomach and slimmed my whole body.
When you think about running, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Many people instinctively cringe at the thought of going for a run, thinking it’s something they could never enjoy. But what if I told you that running can actually be a rewarding experience? With the right approach, it can become something you look forward to rather than dread. It can completely transform your body and shed fat faster than anything else.
Imagine starting with short distances, just a few minutes at a time. As you gradually increase your stamina, you might surprise yourself by discovering a sense of freedom you didn’t expect. That elusive runner’s high some talk about? It’s real, and it comes with the consistent effort and the joy of moving your body. The more you run, the more your body adapts, and soon you'll find fat melting away, energy surging, and a sense of accomplishment that keeps you coming back for more.
It’s all about training your body and mind to embrace the challenge. Once you take those first steps, you might just ignite a passion for running that you didn’t know you had. So why not give it a shot? You have everything to gain and a whole new world of energy and enjoyment to discover!
Why should you Run?
Running is good for your body in many ways. Below, are some benefits you can expect to feel when you make running a habit.
Incredible weight loss
Become energized naturally
Speeds up your metabolism
Builds lean muscle
Helps build endurance
Strengthens your lungs and your heart
Mental clarity in the truest form
Many people find themselves stuck in a cycle of inactivity, commuting in traffic and then sitting at their desks, which stifles their body's natural energy production. This often leads to a dependence on coffee or sugary snacks to get through the day. Our bodies are actually designed to generate energy through natural processes; we just need to activate them properly. For instance, if you wake up in the morning and go for a run, you might be surprised at how energized you feel for the rest of the day.
I've been told by many that I have an abundance of energy, and they often ask how I manage it. The secret lies in movement. By staying active, I allow my body to produce dopamine and serotonin, keeping my energy levels high throughout the day. I even find that I can't handle caffeine because it makes me feel over-stimulated, given the natural energy I have.
**How I Built the Habit to Run**
My love for running began in high school, but I didn't pick it up again for nearly 20 years. After struggling with Lyme disease and chronic fatigue (READ my Lyme Journey), I embarked on a health journey to heal my body and gut. I wanted to lose weight and regain my vitality. Through research, I discovered that running is one of the best forms of cardio for shedding pounds and enhancing fitness. One day, I decided to take action: I bought a pair of running shoes, headed to a nearby nature reserve, and attempted to jog. I could barely last 10 minutes before fatigue set in, but I was determined.
To make running sustainable, I devised a plan with small, achievable goals. Instead of pushing myself too hard right away, I allowed myself to stop once I reached my target for the day. I started with a half-mile, and once I could run that without stopping, I gradually increased my distance by another half mile and repeated this gradual increase. In just two months, I was running six miles non-stop every day, and within four months, I was running 12 miles a day and even tackling 20 miles on weekends. By building my endurance slowly, I found running became increasingly enjoyable.
**What I Experienced While Running**
I initially began running with the goal of losing weight, but I soon realized the extensive benefits it brought to my life. After establishing a consistent routine, my energy levels soared. I’d come home from my runs, often dancing around the house while making my morning shake and getting ready for work, all without needing any external boost. I felt more focused at work, accomplished more, and had the energy after work to suggest spontaneous outings like a sunset surf or a hike with my family.
The weight came off quickly—I lost 20 pounds in just two months, dropping from a size 8 to a size 3. By body was transforming right before my eyes and my clothes hanging loosely on my hips and thighs was a common new problem.This transformation boosted my confidence and made me feel great in my own skin. During this time, I also prioritized gut health (Read about Gut Health HERE ) and nutrition. Alongside running, I began incorporating weight training in the evenings to sculpt my body. Running helped me shed fat, but I wanted to ensure I was also building muscle. Once I added strength training, I started to develop a strong, lean physique that I had always aspired to.
When I took this video, I wasn’t planning on sharing it online. But, it really shows how much weight I lost from running.
Beyond Weight Loss, How Running Changed my Life
I realized that running wasn’t just about physical fitness for me; it became a source of mental clarity and emotional balance. There was this incredible feeling I would get — the runner's high — where I felt like I was floating. In those moments, I could think clearly, let go of negative emotions, and find a deep sense of peace. It was as if running helped me shed more than just weight; it allowed me to release stress and negativity, leaving me feeling incredibly balanced and happy.
As I continued to run, I noticed a natural shift in my eating habits. My metabolism kicked into gear, and I found myself craving healthier foods. I transitioned from eating just one or two meals a day to enjoying three or four balanced meals. The changes in my body were evident — my clothes began to fit differently and I experienced the joy of buying a whole new wardrobe as I embraced this new, healthier lifestyle.
Running has been a catalyst for so many positive changes in my life. It’s given me more energy and encouraged me to explore other forms of cardio and expand my weight training routine. While I still cherish running, I’ve also integrated cycling into my life, finding equal joy in it. (Read about Cycling Benefits HERE) Running remains my go-to when I need a mental boost, and I know it will always be a part of my journey toward staying healthy and happy. I’m excited to share more about my discovery of cycling in my next blog post!
My Tips for your Running Journey
The most important thing is to just get started and to be consistent. Consistency is the KEY to SUCCESS! But, if you are going to be successful then follow this advice that I have learned in my now 6 years of running and thousands of miles run.
Be Consistent nothing works unless you are consistent. You don’t need to run every day but a good plan would be to run every other day or minimum 3 days a week. Always give yourself a rest day.
Set Realistic Small Goals enough with the pushing ourselves to the point of hating something. Take it slow. Your first run, your goal should be to run as much as you can in a half a mile. It’s ok to walk/run in the beginning. You have to build your legs, your endurance, your heart and your lungs and that takes time. From there once you can run the full half mile, add another half mile. Do this over and over until you are running miles without stopping.
Take it Slow, it’s not about speed do NOT try to run fast when you are starting out, find a slow pace that works for you and stick with it. As your body gets stronger you will naturally run faster. Remember, you are running with a purpose, it’s not a race. Slow and steady is how you make your goals happen. Unless you want to be a sprinter then by all means sprint away. But, long distance runners we are all following a slower steady pace.
Wear a Smart Watch- This is so important, nothing is more motivating then seeing your progress in miles, time and calories burned! Just running with nothing to track it will leave you feeling like you didn’t accomplish anything or make you wonder what that really did for you. So please go get a fitness watch.
-You don’t have to go out and buy an expensive watch you can get some on amazon for $30 HERE its what I started off with. It kept track of my time, miles and calories.
-After, running became more of a passion I upgraded to an athletes watch the Garmin Fenix 6, it can track pretty much any sport, hobby and movement you do and you can change out the screen as often as you want to customize it. It is a true athletes watch BUY HERE
-For the ultimate sport watch for athletes is the newest model Garmin Fenix 7 Pro with solar charging, new score features, new tracking and training features to gain a more complete picture of your overall health, training and recovery. BUY HERE
-I know many people who are also very happy with the Apple Watch since it does have fitness technology and keeps track of your health vitals and training you can buy on Amazon BUY HERE
STRAVA App - I love being able to track my progress and yes, the watch will do that for you but it is even better when synced with the Strava App, this maps out your runs, keeps track of what you did for the year, you can join communities or challenges that motivate you. I don’t start any run without first turning on my Strava so I can track my progress and get an inspiring report at the end of the year. You can follow friends and give thumbs up on their workouts and them on yours, it helps with accountability. LEARN MORE
Post It- Accountability, some of us do better when we post a story about our runs, its a little more of a push that now everyone knows we are on a program, I have to be consistent. If you need the motivation and push, the post a story of your run each time.
Buy Good Shoes- THE MOST IMPORTANT I learned the hard way to buy good shoes and make sure they are at least one size too big or you may lose some toe nails! Yeah, that’s right, you read that right. When we start running longer distances your feet will swell and if you don’t have shoes that allow your feet the room they will be cramped and you could lose some toe nails. I’ve lost a couple learning this lesson. So buy one size bigger. I recommend wide toe box shoes to give your toes all the room they need. I have a couple different shoes I like to wear. Recommended Shoes below
Flux Footwear - Adapt Runner Barefoot Wide Toe Box
My husband was won over by all of the Instagram ads on these wide toe boxed running shoes, so he bought them for me. They took a few runs to get used to as they are a zero drop shoe, but now, I love them. The way they are wide shaped gives my toes a lot of space and the zero drop flat surface to the ground has worked my calves in ways no other shoes have. I have been running for 6 years and these made my calves sore the first week wearing them. Working my legs in a whole new better way. These have become my favorite street running shoes For ALL RUNS. BUY HERE
Brooks Revel 7 Neutral Running Shoe- I wore these for years for shorter under 10 mile distances. Over 10 miles I recommend the Flux for wider toe space and not lose toe nails. I loved my Brooks for years, ran in them daily. They provide great support, cushion and last a long time. BUY HERE
Altra Lone Peak 7 - Trail running shoes. These are my favorite trail run shoes. I love to run on hike trails and get my elevations in. If you are running on dirt, hikes, non cement walkways I highly recommend Altra’s they have wide toe boxes to give your toes the space to move but also great cushion for support and great grip on the soles to keep you from sliding up or down hill. Learn more or BUY HERE
Runners Water Bag - You will need lots of water as you continue to progress in your running. Caring a water bottle is not really an option as it throws off your gait. I recommend two different options either a Running Belt HERE which I prefer as I don’t like having anything on my back making me sweat more. The other option is a Running Vest with with Hydration Pack HERE
Don’t forget the basics always wear a hat, sunglasses, sunblock and SPF chapstick when you run and drink plenty of Electrolytes
Some people ask how should I run, what posture do I keep. Honestly, we all have different gaits so find what is comfortable for you but try to keep you core tight and look up not down, keep your feet under you and your landings soft and focus on your breathing. Find a pace that you can keep steady, don’t run fast then slow its best to keep your pace.
In conclusion, embracing running as a sustainable habit can transform not only your physical health but also your mental well-being. By incorporating these tips and tools into your routine, you set yourself up for long-term success. It's essential to view running as an integral part of your lifestyle rather than just a means to an end. Focus on the journey, celebrate your progress, and enjoy the newfound energy and peace of mind that comes with it. Commit to this healthy habit for life, and you will reap the benefits for many years to come!
After running for 2 months and including weight training I had reached my goal of a flat stomach and shapely body.