29 Comments
Jun 10, 2020Liked by Terrell Johnson

Well, this will be a little different than your regular posts. I am highly motivated by music when I run, so what I've been doing is incorporating some dance moves while I run. This might include clapping (The Cars-Let's Go has a great clap sequence), alternating arm positions in a rhythmic way, side-stepping, adding a few hops here and there, throwing a few Rocky punches out, and running in a zig-zag pattern to break up the linear path monotony! I might even belt out a few tunes. You see, I used to care about what people think, and then I realized that running is for me and I've got to do what feels good even if it looks a little bit crazy. I imagine that some of the surprised looks I get from people passing by in their cars are followed by the thought, "Ummm...I'll have what she's having?".

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Jun 10, 2020Liked by Terrell Johnson

I put my clothes out the night before, so they're ready and visible when I get up in the morning. I go out early, since it's too hot in Southern California for me to run later in the day. Although I enjoy my friends, I get my best benefit when I'm by myself; finding my own pace, listing to my breathing and footfalls and just enjoying the morning. The rest of the day automatically falls into place once I've been outside.

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Jun 11, 2020Liked by Terrell Johnson

You are so right that running can help improve mood. That is why I try to incorporate running into my day. My weekend distance runs are especially therapeutic. I often start the run in a very negative mood, but by the time I pass the six-mile mark, I feel noticeable improvement. By the end of a 12+ mile run, I am tired, but I feel like I sweat out a lot of stress and general angst that built up. I always tell myself at the end that I need to do this way more often...

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Jun 10, 2020Liked by Terrell Johnson

My happier place run is around a 7+ miler weekday and 10+ weekends. Today I ran in one of my all time favorite places - Forest Park in STL. I trained for my first marathon here. It felt amazing to conquer hills with ease at 50 that we’re just dreadful at 29!! (Thank you ATL hills😂). And while the first loop was kinda miserable (heat 🥵 & a later start than I prefer) I recognized early it was more of a mindset issue & I could continue to focus on the discomfort and what wasn’t (me being almost done if we had started earlier) OR I could embrace being in a favorite place, doing a favorite thing, with my favorite person. I chose the latter and churned out a negative split on a weekday, vacation 11 miler. 🙌🏼 Now I shall enjoy my Imo’s pizza 🍕

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Jun 10, 2020Liked by Terrell Johnson

Thank you, Terrel! I was at a stagnant place with running before Covid19. With your challenge of running daily, I improved my time by 3 minutes on my 5K, and made it for 26 days in a row!! I've leveled off now, and had some injuries, but the new personal record still stands! I'm excited for the current challenge to train for November..and the comradarie I hope to experience with everyone. Let's do this!!👍🏃‍♀️

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Jun 10, 2020Liked by Terrell Johnson

Thanks Terrell! I read this just before leaving to run by the ocean. I always appreciate my beautiful surroundings but you reminded me to really be joyful about them, and about the fact that I have a healthy body that can run!

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Jun 10, 2020Liked by Terrell Johnson

One realizes how social we might be after all during this pandemic:)

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Jun 11, 2020Liked by Terrell Johnson

I am on day 42 of running at least 10k a day. Although still experiencing some signs of anxiety, the daily trail run is most certainly helping to keep the waves of anxiety under a degree of control.

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Jun 10, 2020Liked by Terrell Johnson

I feel like you read my mind. Nice to connect:)

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Jun 10, 2020Liked by Terrell Johnson

Great article, by the way!

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Jun 14, 2020Liked by Terrell Johnson

Running improves my mood almost always, but if I run outdoors and pay special attention to the beauty, (sky, plants, view, breeze), it helps even more. Also, when I finish, no matter how I did, it helps me to remember how fortunate I am that I have the type of health, body, and fitness that allows me to do this.

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Jun 12, 2020Liked by Terrell Johnson

I'm late to the party but sometimes that's how I roll! ;) I like to run in the evenings. It's a way for me to burn off all the built up stress of the day. If I don't run for a couple of days, I feel the stress build up, and know I won't feel better until I can release it through a run.

Also I'm not much of a morning person. I really like lazy mornings and productive evenings!

I'm still trying to figure out what works best in my new location here in North Carolina. It's much more humid than I am used to. And my canine running partner doesn't seem to like it very much. I've only been doing short runs (3-5 miles) so far, and I think I'll have to start leaving my dog at home. I'm excited for the half-marathon training plan we're doing as a group!

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Jun 10, 2020Liked by Terrell Johnson

Loved the article, by the way!!

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