Sometimes it can be hard to get out of a warm bed- especially before the sun comes up.

A few years ago, before I started running, it would have been impossible to drag me out of bed. The warm blankets kept me as one of their own. Around the time I started college, a lot of things changed in my life. Divorce, difficult roommates, a bigger workload then I had anticipated. The stress seemed to be piling up, I lived with three other people in one room. It was hard to have time to myself.

The only way I was able to be alone was to wake up early. I probably drove my roommates insane.

I’d bound out of bed around 6 a.m. and bolt out the door as quiet as I could. The campus would be almost silent. The stop lights still blinking yellow. I’d pick up the pace up so I’d be able to see the sunrise over Horsebarn Hill.

The silence was comforting, only me and the cool air.

Running became a valuable tool in stress relief. As I accomplished more miles, the stress seemed to be forgotten. As I would find the sunrises in the early morning, my days seemed to start off gracefully. Putting those two things together, and life became a lot more manageable.

I’m lucky enough to go to a school big enough to put in a decent run and have a beautiful view. Every morning is different-warm and muggy, or cold and windy- but every run is treasured.

For me, when I took out the competition of how fast and how far, it became more of a comforting challenge.

Don’t get me wrong, it was incredibly rewarding to find I can go farther and faster without feeling tired. But I also didn’t beat myself up if I wasn’t able to run as fast as the day before.

If you wish to start running (or any exercise really), begin with a positive attitude. You don’t need to go fast, or accomplish 3 miles -or even one mile- the first go. Look at it as an adventure. Treat yourself kindly and with hard work you will be happy that you started.

🙂