This post is going to be short and sweet, just like my run today. 🙂

Today I went for a short run. One that in the past my eating disorder would have told me that it “didn’t count” because it didn’t fit an arbitrary pace/time/mileage criteria that I had set for myself.
But today I ran this run with freedom. It felt wonderful, just the right distance, short and sweet. I focused on the birds chirping in the air, the breeze blowing, and how beautiful the clouds looked against the sky. My legs felt strong and I felt free.
“Shorter” runs count. I encourage you to dive deeper into what “counts” for running/exercise for you. Challenge those notions that you have to run a certain distance or time or pace for your run to count. Take time to listen to your body and energy levels for how far to go on your run and when to stop. Challenge the notion that you have to go exactly to 3 miles or 4 miles or 20 minutes or 45 minutes, etc. Instead of those “even” numbers, run 2.8 instead of 3 miles or 19 minutes instead of 20; run those “weird” distances. They still count. (And are a wonderful way to challenge your eating disorder)
Your shorter runs still count, not going as far as you had planned or your training plan says still counts, running less still counts. And not going for a run at all can be a beautiful gift to your mind and body.
With love,
Megan
“For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” 1 Timothy 4:8 (NIV)
Megan Ludke is a woman of God, Founder and Executive Director of Live RecoverED (formerly RecoverED Athletes), a school-based physical therapist, and a current PSU graduate student (M.Ed. Health Education & Promotion concentration in Eating Disorders). She is recovered from anorexia, orthorexia, depression, OCD, and social anxiety. Megan is deeply passionate about her work at Live RecoverED, having felt the pain and darkness of struggling with an eating disorder. When not working, Megan loves spending time with her boyfriend and family and loves being outside- hiking or reading in a hammock.
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