The Slow Running Lifestyle.
Running is more than just running. It is a lifestyle. It offers the most profound and positive consequences and trickle down effect:
Self Discipline. Your mastery of self discipline will amaze and delight you! It will make you proud, and will show up in other areas of your life.
Personal Growth. Running forces you into a flow state, allowing you to set aside self-consciousness and negativity, and focus on your intention, positively. Intentional running allows you the space to work through your most personal issues, resulting in personal growth.
Dare I say, self-acceptance. Yes. I dare say!
Naturally, it contributes to improved physical health.
Better than the few pounds you will shed, you will begin to supplement your new running lifestyle with powerful life habits, like:
Going to bed early. Get enough sleep! The data around sleeping for well-being is there, but for me it’s so obvious—if I don’t sleep well, I don’t manage stress well. Then I’m too tired to run and, well, there goes that vicious cycle again! Once you realize that you actually really enjoy feeling good in the morning, and you prefer feeling good over, say, one more episode of Shameless or another glass of wine, then it becomes easier to make the decision to go to bed early. Yes, you will fall asleep. You’re a runner now. Your body needs it!
Less alcohol consumption. Alcohol affects sleep patterns. Again, this isn’t easy! But, the more conscious you are about your decisions, the easier it will be (I’m speaking to the moderate drinker). Do you sleep better after 1 or 2 glasses of wine? Do you feel better in the morning after 1 or 2 glasses of wine? If not, it’s up to you to choose which you prefer, another glass of wine or feeling amazing in the AM. <insert self-discipline here>
Nutrition awareness. You’re running, sleeping more, drinking less and starting to feel a difference in your health. Next stop—nutrition. Feeding yourself well and making good choices is another side effect of a running lifestyle. You’ll want to. You’ll crave it.