noBOLOGNA

Why I started Running…

I don’t think this is something I’ve talked about on my blog before, at least not in depth, but it’s something I think about often.  About 4 years ago, Nick and I broke up and it wasn’t an easy break up for me.  One main reason being that he was the first boyfriend I had ever had, so it was kind of a big deal for me.  I never dated through middle school and high school like many of my friends.  The first month was rough, I just tried to survive like most people do during a breakup and after a few weeks… I decided it was time to take control of who I was and that was the BEST decision I had made in my life!
I started running because of a break-up.  And I’m thankful for that period of my life.  At the time, I never would have thought that I would be, which is a great lesson for the future… whatever path God leads you on, at the time you may not think it’s right, but it could possibly be the best thing that’s ever happened.

There were a few things that running gave me: confidence, a better complexion, and joy.  I’m going to show you a few pictures of me in my first year of college – I had some bad ones in high school too though.  I’m not saying that these were awful times, I just don’t think I was very happy on the inside or even knew the person I wanted to be.  I was and always will be an emotional eater and at this point in my life, I didn’t even really know the meaning of running or working out.  And please excuse the hideousness of a haircut I chose during this time in my life! My oh my!  And just so we’re being honest… I think one other thing I ended up learning down the road is how to pose better for a picture so I get my good angles, that has a little bit to do with the difference in these pictures below!

  
  

Just a few short months later, I was happy, skinnier, healthier, funner, vibrant, exciting, and enjoying one of the greatest times of my life!  I went to Dallas for my cousin’s Bach party, I went to the beach, spent 2 weeks in Texas with my cousin, and I was in 2 amazing weddings.  When you talk about enjoying life, I was enjoying life!  Although, for most people, being in weddings isn’t so fun, I’m not gonna lie, I love being in weddings!  
  
  
  
In case you’re wondering, this guy is in Kings of Leon
And although I have some of the most wonderful memories during the time that I was finding myself and picked up running, I have some amazing memories from that first 5K all the way up to now!  Nick and I ended up getting back together that summer and him and my best friend ran my very first 5K with me that summer.  The point of all this is that running has become a huge part of my life and because of that reason, my life has dramatically improved!  I have had my share of heartache and pain, but I’ve overcome all of that with running, when I’m having a rough day, I get in a run… when I have a lot on my mind, I know a run will help me figure things out.  I’m thankful for the circumstances that brought me to running because it now is something I use to define myself. 
I’m a runner.

My first 5K: It was 4th of July, so I obviously had to match it up! I even wore a white ribbon in my hair!
  
I love looking back at these pictures because it reminds me that I love running and that I looked great when I was running every day.  Even though I love running, I fall out of a workout schedule pretty frequently and these pictures always reel me back in and encourage me to get back out there and start running again!  I’ve obviously learned a lot more since I first started running and I try to incorporate more toning and cross-training now along with proper eating, but running will always be my first exercise love!
How do you define yourself?  Have you seen terrible circumstances change you for the better? 

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About Heather @ No Bologna Blog

Heather is a vegetarian living in the deep South. She enjoys running, eating, Disney, and spending time with family & friends!

Comments

  1. Jessica @ Wonder Whats Next says

    I love this! Your reason for running is similar to why I started working out too. It’s just not something I’ve ever told anyone or talked about openly. Not it’s a lot easier for me to deal with sadness when I know I can go sweat it out. I still eat emotionally, but definitely not like I used to.

    Reply

  5. Ashley says

    Your running posts are always so inspiring! I’m sure it is because you are so passionate for it!

    Seriously though, why do I suddenly feel like running? I need to keep you in my life… you’re going to make me healthy yet! Thanks for sharing your story. <3

    Reply

  6. Meg says

    Thanks for sharing your story! I am so inspired by how much you enjoy running, sometimes I only do it because I feel like I need to for a race or just for exercise.

    Reply

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The views and statements expressed on No Bologna are my own. You are reading No Bologna at your own risk and I am not providing any type of professional advice. Unless otherwise noted, all material on No Bologna may not be used, reprinted, or published without my consent. I do occasionally have affiliated links on my blog - this does not raise the price of the product, I simply get a very small commission from the regular retail price if something is purchased using an affiliated link on my site. I appreciate any support by you in regards to affiliated links.