I am not the athletic type. My physical ability is limited to the pool after a short-lived swimming career in high school. Once I left home to go to college, I went from working out every day to hitting the gym maybe once a month. The summer after my sophomore year of college, I decided it was time to lose the freshman 15 and get my body back. I decided to go for a run every day for three weeks, and here’s what happened.
Before starting the first week of running, I laid on the couch every chance I got. I had no motivation to move, so getting ready for three weeks of running was quite difficult.
To stall my three-week trial, I decided I needed a few things to help encourage me. I bought new running shoes, sports bras, and leggings. I also convinced myself I needed a special playlist that ran for exactly 45 minutes to make sure I stayed on the treadmill for the entire time—something I highly recommend.
The first run, for a lack of a better term, was terrible; I was cramping, I could hardly breathe, and the water I chugged before my run sat like lead in my stomach. The next few days were even worse as my legs began to get sore. My morale was low.
The second week of my three-week trial was the week I got my period. However, this week was different from previous PMS-filled weeks. I had little to no cramping, no cravings, and I felt energized—I wanted to run.
By the third week of running every day, I was in a routine. Instead of running to stay in shape, I began running because it made me feel better. Any ounce of stress I had from my job or school melted away as soon as I tied my tennis shoes.
Although running was still difficult for me by the end of the three weeks, it began to be therapeutic and instantly boosted my self-confidence, mood, and productivity. You never know what can happen, and how your attitude might change, when you really put your mind to something!
Try my three-week running challenge and tell us me how you do in the comments below!
