Today I ran because I wanted to 🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️

[Kimchoc08]

Today I decided to do a run because I wanted to and not because I had to.

As some of you know my daughter is making the trip home this weekend and as much as I enjoy running, I want to spend as much time with her as possible.

Earlier in the week I'd discovered that my local Parkrun for Saturday had been cancelled so it was run today or wait a whole 6 days before running again. Earlier in my new running life, I'd have taken a 6 day rest but now that thought terrified me 😱. So after dropping my daughters at school and heading home(I have a well timed training day at my school), I headed out the door with the thought to just run for 30 mins and see how much distance I can travel.

Started out with the wind in my face which I'm sure was trying to push me back from where I'd started!! Plodded on with the automated lady on Map My Run telling me I'd run 1km, then 2km and then 3km. I decided that I would run to 4km and then I would take my cool down walk to my front door.

But no, my head and legs had other ideas. My head was telling my legs to just carry on. My pace was comfortable, my breathing was rhythmic, my feet were lightly kissing the ground, the dog walkers were chatty, the weather, although a little breezy, was just right for me so I carried on and stopped at 5km. Imagine my surprise when I realised that my today's timing was a minute quicker than Wednesdays!!

I am totally in love with running and with the acknowledgement that I can do this comes an inner peace and calm that I never thought I'd find.

After running my fluffy head space is clearer, my energy levels are sky high, my endorphins are running round in their thousands sending feel good love everywhere, my skin looks healthier, my fitness levels are increasing with every run, my love for the outdoors has doubled and I am having uninterrupted sleep at night!! What more could you ask for?!

I hope that you all have a wonderful weekend whatever you're up to as I know I will 😊😊😊 See you next week 😘

[lardofale Graduate]

Fantastic post Kim, love it! I'm enormously jealous now sitting here in my office!! Enjoy your family time ;0)

[Kimchoc08 Graduate in reply to lardofale]

Thank you. Jealousy when others are running is something I've experienced too but never thought I would!! I'll enjoy every crack-a-lacking moment this weekend 😊😊

[Debbie698]

Wow you go girl 🏃‍♀️💃

[Kimchoc08 Graduate in reply to Debbie698]

I certainly went this morning!! The run flew by 🌬🌬

[ju-ju- Graduate]

Love this ❤️❤️❤️

[Kimchoc08 Graduate in reply to ju-ju-]

Thank you 😊

[Martin_Rose Graduate]

Another wonderful post, 5k in 36 minutes is fabulous Kim, have a lovely weekend.

[Kimchoc08 Graduate in reply to Martin_Rose]

Thank you Martin 😊

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Perfect. The way running should be 🙂

[Kimchoc08 Graduate in reply to Irishprincess]

Felt good today 😊😊

[sjs1969 Graduate]

What a fabulous post, Kim, and your enthusiasm is so inspiring! The last thing I expected when starting the programme is that I'd come to love running and you clearly do too! And you are so right about all the other wonderful benefits.

Have a wonderful time with your daughter over the weekend! 😀

[Kimchoc08 Graduate in reply to sjs1969]

Thank you 😊

[GiGill Graduate]

Very eloquent! Another runner joins the ranks of the addicted 😀 Fab!!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Runs for Pure Joy... I love them. A beautiful post a beautiful run.. well done

[Fishypieface Graduate]

A very dramatic sky you have there! I love it when it's windy and like that! Running gives us the motivation to get out there in weather like that and feel the world doing it's thing. Wonderful stuff!! x