If you’ve been following me on Facebook, you may have noticed that I have been running a lot. In a little over a month, I will be running my first half marathon in NH to benefit the Make-a-Wish Foundation. I never, ever thought I could run, let alone complete anywhere near 13 miles.

For the first time in my life, I’ve made the full commitment to training and finished almost 10 miles today, with still plenty of time to continue training!

I am a firm believe that running helps you in more ways than just getting into shape. It is a physical activity that is good for your body, but also can help you to reduce stress and anxiety and help you to live a fuller life.

For several years I’ve dealt with anxiety and have had the success of coping with it by taking medication when needed. However, I absolutely hate taking medication and would only take it when I knew I’d be in a position where I may become anxious. Sometime in the mornings, I would wake up feeling anxious about my day and I would fear the day that was in front of me before it even started.

Since I have started running daily and for long distances, I haven’t had to take anything for anxiety in almost a month. The feelings of anxiousness in the morning are nonexistent and I can make it through my days so much better than I used to before.

I feel so much better about myself now since I’ve been training for the half marathon, and it has helped my life in so many ways. I have a much better outlook and grasp on things in my life. I also enjoy the fact that if I run, I’m usually burning between 600-1000 calories, so eating dinner and a dessert is something I look forward to and no longer regret or worry about.

I’ve heard many of my friends say they could never be a runner, but I promise you this- If I can do it, ANYONE CAN. Never in my craziest dreams would I have thought I’d be running a half marathon on May 12th, or ever look forward to running. I caught the bug and it’s a great thing to enjoy in life.

Give it a try. Go for a half mile, a mile or even try out a 5k. More likely than not, if you can take in the moments and connect with yourself, you’ll fall in love with running too.