I wish we lived in a world where we didn’t judge our bodies so much. But unfortunately we do. I am not immune to this. And honestly I don’t really know anyone who is. BUT it’s something I have been working on for a few years now, and while I still have room to grow and I still have my down days, things have definitely improved.
I want my kids to grow up loving their body and themselves. Which led me to think how great it would be to love my body and myself. While many things in my life have contributed to my self kindness in this area, I wanted to share a few ways that I have loved my body through running.
8 Tips I Use to Love My Body Through Running
1. I run for enjoyment.
I love an easy run. I love to listen to music or a podcast and just enjoy the slow go of an easy run. I appreciate the views and I always appreciate the awesome feeling of accomplishment at the end of every run.
2. I focus on what my body can do and how strong it is.
I focus on all of the runs that my body can do, all of the strength training. I might not run the fastest or lift the heaviest, but every single workout makes me stronger.
3. I appreciate that food helps me reach my goals, and that it’s yummy.
I know the science behind needing carbs, protein and fats in order to be a strong runner who can continue to reach her goals. I don’t look at food as just fuel or just enjoyment, but a combination of the two.
4. I edit my social media feed whenever it isn’t working for me.
Every time I start judging myself against someone on social media, I stop following them. Watching someone and always questioning myself is not at all going to help me reach my goals of self love. Curating my feed to like-minded people and people who inspire me in a positive way has made a huge difference.
5. I focus on strength.
Strength training has not only made me a better runner, but it makes me feel badass. And it's harder to dislike your body when you feel like a badass.
6. I keep a positive mindset about each run and what my body has done.
Not every run is easy or good. But every time I get out there I know I am fortunate to move my body and I know that miles in the bank are miles in the bank.
7. I take pictures and videos to look back on and see all of the things that I have done.
This might sound counterintuitive, but I use it to look back and see all the awesome shit I have done. It always makes me feel so accomplished, strong and positive. I love to see the difference between a pre-run and post-run selfie. I can't explain how my smile is more real, but it is.
8. I want to be a positive role model for my kids, and I keep that front of mind.
I never speak poorly about my body in front of my kids, I always say I workout or run because I enjoy it, which is the truth, and honestly the more that I do all of the above the more and more true it becomes.
I am not immune to body judgement, but I don’t want to live disliking my body, and I don’t need to. I hope you can find a way to apply some of these tips to help you leave the body judgement a little farther behind.
After all, you are a badass. So go love yourself like one.
xo, Your Favorite Mess Coordinator,
Teddi
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