A year ago I made a New Years Resolution to start running. It has been a long hard year of training and learning what my body is capable of. I am proud to say I have exceeded my accomplishments of running and making more time for both myself and my health. In the last year I have run two 5K races and a runDisney 10K. Along the way I have learned a few things…

1. Don’t give up! Long runs definitely get the best of me sometimes but while my legs are giving out, I push hard to keep my body going. It is so easy to talk yourself out of accomplishing a goal but don’t give up… keep going! When you feel like stopping remember why you started.
2. Running really is cheaper than therapy! The best way to clear your mind and escape life’s chaos is to run. Nothing beats the feeling of lacing up your running shoes, jamming out to your favorite music and leaving your worries behind. They say the best things in life are free, right?!
3. The best runs are on days when you don’t feel like running. The irony is not lost on me…. but it is so true. Some of my most accomplished runs were on days I almost didn’t go at all. No matter how slow you go you can still lap those who are at home sitting on the couch.
4.  Speed doesn’t matter! I still don’t consider myself a runner but I can hold my own. Every run makes my body stronger than the last. When I began running a year ago, I thought my fastest run would make me feel the most accomplished however that has not been the case. Distance has become the top priority for me over speed. It doesn’t matter if you run a 5 minute mile or a 15 minute mile, they both end at a finish line. Don’t worry about being better than someone else. Conquer the distance not the clock!
5. Set goals! It is important to set goals that both scare you and excite you at the same time. Just the thought of running a marathon (or even a half marathon!) seems like a painful nightmare to a newbie like me right now.  But there is magic in misery when it comes to running and I’ll bet the feeling as you cross that finish line is worth every ounce of pain.

My New Years Resolution for 2018 is to eat healthier, be more accountable for taking care of myself and continue to pursue my running goals. Here’s to a New Year filled with new goals, dreams, chances and new beginnings!

Wishing you peace, love and laughter in the New Year!

Happy Travelin’