If you were to ask me a year ago if I liked running I would’ve laughed at you. Run? Runnnnn????? No thanks.

That being said I did a color run 5k with a friend years ago. I walked… Also, I’ve had the same pair of sneakers for over 10 years. I never wear them. Running was never something I thought I would enjoy.

Then for some reason, one day, I woke up and thought it would be really fun to actually run a 5k with my husband. I decided I wanted to give running a shot. I got the Peloton tread and, if I’m being honest, just walked on it here and there the first few months. I still wasn’t thrilled with the thought of running.

Want to know what got me to run?

Taylor Swift.

Seriously.

When Taylor Swift dropped her Midnights album Peloton did a 30 minute run class with songs from the album. That’s what got me to run. At first I didn’t really increase the speed much but then I started getting into it and singing along and I mean…Best believe I’m still bejeweled when I walk in the room I can still make the whole place shimmer.

Guess what? I loved it. Yep. Truly. Who knew. After that I started really trying. And if I’m going to be honest I usually just do that Taylor Swift run because the music gets me excited.

Here are a few reasons I love running.

You can zone out – When I am on the bike I can go slow, sit back, and mess around on my phone if I’m not in the mood to try. But, when I’m running I can’t do that. Maybe some people can. Not me. I’d fall on my face. So, I put my phone away and don’t touch it. I get to zone out. I can focus on the music or podcast I’m listening to that morning. Usually it’s both. I turn up the music on the tread and then have a podcast playing in my ear bud. #Multitasking

You get to challenge yourself – Remember in school when they made you run a mile in gym class? I would walk. I’m not talking a power walk. A leisurely stroll, if you will. It would take the whole class to make it a mile. When I started actually trying I challenged myself to improve and get as close to running 5k in 30 minutes as possible. I have it down to 32 minutes. Which for me is a big deal. Now, that’s on the treadmill. Not outside. But listen, it’s cold outside right now. I started doing this in the winter. Give me a break. I’ll try outside when it’s a little warmer….

It’s an excuse to by new running gear – I love cute workout clothes! Seriously. My workout wardrobe consists of match outfits and I love them all. I love the cute runners jackets with the little thumb holes. Now I had an excuse to buy them…even if I’m only running inside. AND for the first time in a decade I bought sneakers. And I was actually excited about it!

It releases so much stress – I already knew exercise was helping with my stress levels. Running has taken it to a new level. On days I’m really feeling stressed I can take off in a sprint and it’s like I leave behind all the tension. It feels amazing. Like when I was a little kid, before I loathed running, and would take off and feel so free. I missed that feeling.

Don’t take my word for it. Try it yourself. I can’t wait to get outside and enjoy the sunshine and breeze this spring. I am super pumped to run a 5k with my husband. Shhhh….I haven’t actually told him about this idea yet…But he will be excited…