Learning to Run for My Mind, Not Just My Body

When I first started running, I thought progress would be measured by pace, distance, and how quickly I could improve.

Instead, I am discovering something much more important, I am learning to stop overthinking the runs and putting pressure on myself before I have even started.

Running became the place where I could clear my mind, process difficult days, and remind myself that movement doesn't have to be perfect to be powerful.

Like many women, I juggle work, family, responsibilities, and the pressure to always be doing more. Some days my run is the only time that's truly mine. It isn't always fast, and it certainly isn't always easy, but I always come back feeling stronger mentally than when I left the house.

The Frustration No One Talks About

One thing I am  struggling with is my heart rate, my health anxiety brain is always trying to find a way to make me think the worst. If my heart rate is high then there is something medically wrong!!! Actually I need to listen to my body slow right down and do those easy runs too. 

I've been trying to train in Zones 2 and 3 because they're often recommended for building endurance and improving fitness. The challenge? I think I have to be running quicker because that's what everyone else is doing.  My heart rate seems to climb much higher than I'd expect, even when I feel like I'm running at a comfortable pace.

There have been times when I've looked at my watch and wondered, Why is  my heart rate so high when I feel like I'm barely working?

It's frustrating.

I've questioned whether I'm fit enough, whether I'm doing something wrong, and whether I'm actually improving at all.

If you've ever had those same thoughts, you're definitely not alone.

Learning to Let Go of the Numbers

As much as I love tracking my runs, I've realised that the numbers don't tell the whole story.

Some days I have to slow right down.

Sometimes I even walk for a minute before carrying on, learning this is ok and I am not failing is something i am struggling with. 

Now I am learning  it as listening to my body, MY body stop comparing myself to others and their performance. 

Fitness isn't built by pushing flat out every single run. Often it's built through patience, consistency, and showing up even when it feels harder than it should.

This is a  lesson I am  reminding myself of. 

Running for My Mental Health

The biggest change hasn't been physical.

It's been mental.

Running gives me time to stop the over thinking, racing thoughts of all the things I am juggling right now,  By the time I finish, whatever felt overwhelming usually feels more manageable.

There are runs where my pace is slower than I'd like.

Runs where my heart rate is higher than I want.

Runs where I wonder if I'm making any progress at all.

But I never regret going.

Because every run is an investment in my mental wellbeing as much as my physical health.

Progress Isn't Always Visible

We often celebrate personal bests, faster times, and longer distances.

But sometimes progress looks different.

It's choosing to go for a run when you don't feel motivated.

It's slowing down instead of giving up.

It's learning to stop comparing yourself with everyone else.

It's realising that your body is capable of more than you thought, even if your watch doesn't always agree.

Those wins deserve celebrating too.

A Reminder for Every Woman Who Needs It

If your heart rate feels higher than everyone else's...

If your pace feels slower than you'd like...

If you're trying your best but questioning whether you're improving...

Please know you're not the only one.

Keep showing up.

Keep moving.

Keep being patient and kind to yourself. 

Because movement isn't about perfection. It's about becoming stronger physically and mentally. 

My brother once told me, its putting one foot in front of the other, a mile is a mile no matter the time. 

At KERLORA, that's exactly what we believe.

Find strength in movement, not perfection.