More Than Words by Nikki

I am going to start this post with a disclaimer. I have legitimately hated running since 6th grade. I was the girl who came in last place while running the required mile in P.E. Yup, I got a side stitch 30 seconds into the mile then felt like I was facing a slow death while the entire grade watched. It was painful and embarrassing. Even now, I picture Phoebe running like a cross between Kermit the Frog and the Bionic Man, and think – that’s a bit like me. In high school, I missed PE a lot on running days. I always managed to be just late enough to class so the locker room was locked. This made it impossible for me to dress for gym. So I walked the track in my regular clothes. You can see why I have always been so impressed when people willingly go “running” for fun.

It has been a long time since I did any kind of “real exercise”. Please don’t misunderstand because I can carry two 40-pound children on my hips simultaneously. I take the stairs a million times a day like Cary Grant, I vacuum, mop and clean the surfaces of my house more often than I care to share and I go for walks with the kids. But I’m not taking spin classes, lifting weights or ….. running. Until today.

Yes. It happened. I don’t know why I decided today was the day but this morning, I downloaded the Nike Run Club app and put my puppy on the leash. I opened the app and synced it to my apple music, picked my favorite Taylor Swift songs, and hit the start button.

The coach came on and talked me through the correct pace and breathing. I took it nice and easy and found it surprisingly FUN! I finished the 20-minute run and was crying with so many emotions flooding my brain. I have spent the past 30 years sure that I couldn’t run. Turns out I was just doing it wrong. I loved it so much that I went for a 22 min run this afternoon. Bailey is currently sleeping in my lap from all that running. I know I will be sore tomorrow, but I honestly can’t wait to do it again.

I will admit there was a slight “dance” to my run at times but I think that’s just what happens when the music hits at the right moment. I plan to run and dance and run/dance like no one is watching as long as I can.

So, hi it’s me. I’m now a runner and I can’t wait to see what else I can do. Have a great weekend. Let me know in the comments what your favorite songs are for running or working out. Let’s inspire each other.