![\"c168f0ddd0c052ccb4091404605a4b89\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/yogapantsdiary.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/c168f0ddd0c052ccb4091404605a4b89.jpg?resize=525%2C788\")
<\/p>\nToday I wanted to finish up my running advice with my number one reason why I think I love running: Control.<\/p>\n
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People ask my how I lost the weight all the time. When they hear that I\u2019m a boxer, they make a certain face. When they hear that I run\u2026..A LOT\u2026..they also make a certain face. I know everyone who has ever asked me \u201cHow did you lose the weight?\u201d wants to hear, \u201cI just woke up like this one morning\u2026.\u201d But the truth is, it was a lot of hard and sweaty work. Over the last 2-3 years, I couldn\u2019t even count how many people have asked for my advice or help. But in all that time, in all those conversations\u2026\u2026I know maybe 5 people on a weight loss or fitness journey. The truth is, 98% of people that ask me about it aren\u2019t going to do a damn thing. It took me a long time to realize, I couldn\u2019t control this. I had to learn to give out free advice with no expectations. Example conversation from real life:
\nCoworker: I just love your arms! What kind of weights do you do?<\/p>\n
Me: I actually do all body weight exercises. For my arms I do pull ups. Lots and lots of pull ups because that what\u2019s in my training routine.<\/p>\n
Coworker: Oh. I could never do a pull up.<\/p>\n
Me: It took me almost 6 months of trying everyday, but I can do them now! I\u2019m sure you could do it if you put the time in.<\/p>\n
Coworker: Yeah. I\u2019ll never be able to do that.<\/p>\n
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And\u2026\u2026.she never did a pull up. When people hear how much work it was for me to change my whole life, 98% are not willing to put the work in. It was not easy. It took good decisions every single day and forgiveness when I made bad decisions. It took overhauling my whole life. But every once in a while, I think I help inspire someone to change their life. This used to really bother me because of my control issues. I used to think it was something about me that discouraged them from trying.\u00a0\u00a0 Maybe they didn\u2019t see a big enough difference? Maybe I didn\u2019t say it in the right way? Maybe if I\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026but it really comes down to:<\/p>\n
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If you wanted to, you would.<\/p>\n
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Control is something I struggle with in most areas of my life. It is hard for me to feel out of control and I love feeling like the puppetmaster of my life. \u00a0I carry this into my workouts too. When I run, I know that I\u2019m in control of everything about that run and about my life, even if just for a few miles.<\/p>\n
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I can control my breathing, time, distance, music\u2026\u2026.When I set out to go 5 miles, I go 5 miles. It makes me feel accomplished every single time. While there are always some elements that you can\u2019t control: weather, traffic, stop lights, geese, sprinklers\u2026\u2026. I love the feeling of controlling my body. With experience, you learn to run at your most efficient. I know when my body and mind are working like a machine and I love that feeling. It really is just me and the road.<\/p>\n
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In the beginning of my running, I thought I had to have certain music, clothes, headphones, etc. and I kind of did. In order to zone, I couldn\u2019t think about anything else. Not my wedgie, my headphone wires bouncing around, my sunglasses slipping down my nose\u2026..Nothing!\u00a0\u00a0 Nothing could be a distraction or I just wanted to stop. But now I know how far I can go and how my body should be feeling with each mile.\u00a0\u00a0 I can control the speed a little more without giving a ton of effort. I know how my body feels when it runs and my body loves to run. \u00a0Yesterday, I went for 8 miles with Dan. It was a great run down the cherry creek path and through parts of downtown Denver. So I figured I shouldn\u2019t run today to rest my legs but then after my usual boxing workout, I still didn\u2019t feel right. My emotions felt \u2026\u2026stuck and I just couldn\u2019t get in the flow of the day. So I decided to run a mile or two. Well\u2026three miles later I felt like myself. For some reason my body and mind wanted to run today and my legs needed the stretch.<\/p>\n
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So my point is this: Running makes me feel like I\u2019m in control of my emotions, stress, energy and basically……..life! Every run is a commitment to myself that I keep. If you can\u2019t keep commitments to yourself, why would you for anyone else?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Today I wanted to finish up my running advice with my number one reason why I think I love running: Control. People ask my how I lost the weight all the time. When they hear that I\u2019m a boxer, they make a certain face. When they hear that I run\u2026..A LOT\u2026..they also make a … <\/p>\n