The 'running as self-care' code

Running can be therapeutic and serve as a means to care for yourself if you set it up right. I walk and run to enhance my life spiritually, physically and mentally and I'd love for you to do the same. I want to share my personal evolution through conscious efforts of using running as a self-care tool in the hope that it inspires you to care for yourself the same.

This is what I do:
Every Sunday is my long run/walk with God. It's a non-negotiable self-care and gratitude day. I find a route, plug in my favorite earphones and get going.  The spirit fuels me as I express thankfulness through forward motion. I think of nothing but the good that's present in my life. I count all my blessings and give thanks to God for every single one of them. Words can't express the positive, joyful headspace this activity generates and the unbreakable state of mind it develops. To share a more specific example of this kind of experience and what I felt this last Sunday involved me going out as usual and this time around I gave thanks to God for giving me the courage to bring the Roadrunner Zambia concept to life. For helping me believe in myself when I wrestled with doubt and fear. He helped me see the value of my passion project. It really warms my heart when people reading my blogs tell me that I encouraged them to take up running or that I entertained them with a personal story and educated them with personal advice. If you run with God just once a week, then maybe on one of those days He might just show you your path. I've found purpose, peace and encouragement through this process, you might too.

Here's how you can care for yourself through running:

• Pick a great running route at least once per week that's outside of your ordinary routes. You should look for a location that has beautiful views, surroundings and limited human and car traffic. For Lusaka based runners I personally recommend New Kasama area, specifically in and around State Lodge. It's a nice, clean environment with little human and car traffic and limited pollution. You have plenty of time to think clearly and appreciate life
• The right music can put you in a good place. Compile a playlist of your favorite songs, put on your favorite earphones and get moving. I personally opt for gospel music during these self-care runs and walks because it cements an attitude of gratitude. I feel blessed to be alive and blessed to able to move in the direction of my choice
• Have an enjoyable, healthy post-run meal. Treat your body to a fresh blend of fruits and vegetables in the form of a juice or a smoothie right after your run. Your body will thank you for it!
• Run with a friend, family member or person of interest. Running can be an intimate social experience if you let it. Grab someone you've been meaning to catch up with and go for a run together. You'll able to speak freely in an open space
• Run (or walk). Breathe. Take in your environment. Feel the wind on your face, the sun on your body and the air in your lungs. You will realize how beautiful life is when you choose to be present and in the moment

Just because you can walk and run everyday doesn't mean you should take that gift for granted. Say "thank you."

Sunday run playlist: Karen - Ni Lesa Fye, Olivia ft Pompi - Imagine, Pompi - Mulungu Samagona, Jay Rox ft Tim - Glory, Abel Chungu - Pamakufi, Excess Love - Mary Chinwo, HillaryJane - God of Always, Hillsong - What a beautiful name, Kirk Franklin - Imagine Me, MaryMary - Shackles, Jesus Culture - Your love never fails, Marvin Sapp - Never would have made it,  Tasha Cobbs - Gracefully broken, Lecrae - Don't waste your life, Cece Winans - More than I wanted