Running has changed my life. Given me space to dream, think, release emotion, speak out loud, relate, sing, be in awe of what my body is capable of, allowing me to be in a place of calm freedom. It’s a sport with the power to transform—completely!
I’ve obviously seen a physical transformation over the 8 years I’ve been running—which is beautiful to watch as my body adapts to each season it is in. Whether it be training for a marathon, working on speed, trail running, whatever. But the most astounding transformation I’ve seen is the transformation of my mind.
Transforming My Mind
We are people of pattern & routine. All of the little “same” things we do give us results. So what are the patterns, routines, thought processes, ideas, actions I do repeatedly in hopes of results and transformation? Am I aware of the things I’m doing? Is my daily pattern rich ground for the type of transformation I want?
Wow! A question I need to keep at the forefront of my mind daily!
Of course, running is not the end all be all solution to this never ending need of mental awareness, but it has definitely given me a whole lot of space to ponder and consider pressing questions in my life. It has allowed me to push through mental blocks. It has given me hours to talk through everything on my heart and mind out loud (and sometimes with friends). To do this with complete freedom to mess up, rephrase, laugh at myself, process, realize what’s important.
Running has awakened a side of me that’s in tune, thinks with clarity, and allows me to be free and be disciplined in trusting the process!
Trusting the Process
I feel like this is a common theme and something I really enjoy writing about—trusting the process! Running has forced me to rely on only what I can control in that exact moment and to release the outcomes that aren’t in my hands. These moments of intense open handedness have been so curing and begin to bleed into other areas of life! It’s a disciple to gain control of your mind to let it operate in a place of freedom!
The act of running, only being able to focus on each step ahead of me no matter what my end mile length or time is. I just have to trust my body, go and enjoy! It’s such a beautiful thing to be able to do.
Territory Run
I had the joy of wearing an outfit by Territory Run Co. close to their home territory! It was so sweet to partner with them on this trip and wear running gear I felt so comfortable and cute in. They’re a trail running goods company based in Portland, OR & have a lot of story behind who they are.
“I created Territory Run Co. to capture the feeling of running in wild places, getting out of town with good friends and escaping all of the noise in life to find something true on the trail.”
— BRETT FARRELL
The founder of Territory Run Co. shared why he created the company. I love how much the mission of their brand resonates with what I shared above. Here’s a little more on their story if you want to read more. One of my favorite things he says is how running has been portrayed as this exercise of pain and struggle, and while that can be true, there’s a side that is full of calm euphoric freedom!
I love that. Let’s flip the script on the agreements we’ve made in our life that need to change, be rewired, and freed!
Take A Chance!
Now, if you’re looking for a hobby or a sport with the power to transform your mind & body…I’d take a couple trial runs and see how you feel! That’s how I started and now my life looks so much different because of it. I get to see a whole new side of this world through running and I LOVE it!