Lace them running shoes up just right…not too tight not too loose…check! Favorite running socks on….check! Groovy running pants and of course a weather tech running shirt...check! And all my son could say to me is, "Wow, so many things have changed about you mom"! He is so right! While on this journey to losing weight and discovering the nutrition in food and the importance of being hydrated a love for running has developed. Many people would consider it crazy to even think of running a mile yet alone training to run a marathon. In fact I was one of those people. Less than a year ago I was 90 pounds heavier and didn't even enjoy walking short distances but oh how the Lord used Grace and Strength Lifestyle to change all that!

I am occasionally asked, "How did you start". And truthfully it all started with walking. I began by walking ¼ of a mile every other day. As the distance became easier and more enjoyable due to the weight loss I would lengthen my time walking. By the end of the first month I was walking 5 miles a week. You see it all has to start somewhere. We all must cross the start line before we can ever contemplate the finish line. When I began walking I never had the goal of running in mind. My goal was just to walk a little more each week. Month 2 brought some challenges emotionally and spiritually and I simply decided to battle out these challenges while walking. My coach encouraged me to start interval jogging. I had never heard of interval jogging but found a free App for my phone that would guide me through this new challenge. Did I like it, you may ask? NOT at first! In fact at times I would have pain and frustration with myself, but again going to the Lord for HIS strength and HIS ability projected me forward. Within a few additional months my interval walking/jogging was now a complete run.

The joy that comes from running is a constant reminder of how for so many years the Enemy would tell me that I couldn't overcome the bondage of obesity. I can remember myself having negative thoughts like, "You were born this way, you weren't given a runners body type, you are just a short big-boned girl". Well guess what? I can run! And after every run I find myself praising the Lord for the ability HE has given me. I encourage you to prayerfully begin some sort of exercise and to prayerfully seek the Lord about how, when and where you can fit it into your busy schedule. My walking and eventually running was always an outdoor activity which gave me an opportunity to not only enjoy the surroundings that the Lord created but I also did so while pushing my baby girl in a jogging stroller. For the first time in my life I can say, "I have worn these running shoes out"!

Coach Monica

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* Individual results may vary.