While Principle 9 of intuitive eating may not directly address food, it plays a crucial role in your overall relationship with both eating and exercise. Many runners fall into the trap of thinking they need to "earn" their food through exercise, or that running is simply a means to burn calories. However, intuitive eating encourages us to shift this mindset.
This principle is about finding joy in movement, listening to your body, and breaking free from the idea that exercise is merely a tool for weight control. By embracing the pleasure of running and focusing on how it makes you feel, you can create a healthier, more balanced approach to both exercise and nutrition.
Let's explore the next intuitive eating principle for runners: Movement - Feel the Difference.
Rediscover the Joy of Running
Running doesn't have to be about hitting a certain pace or covering a specific distance. Sure, if you're training for a goal race, it might be. And that's ok! But when you're not in a training cycle, try to shift focus to the freedom of the open road or trail (or watching that trashy show on the treadmill - guilty!), the rhythm of your breath, and the satisfaction of feeling your body move.
This is especially helpful if you've been feeling like you're in a rut with running. By focusing on how running makes you feel—energized, strong, and alive—you can reconnect with the joy that first drew you to the sport. I've been hanging out in that feeling for some time now in the season I'm in (SAHM of 2 small kiddos).
Listen to Your Body’s Signals
Intuitive eating teaches us to tune into our body’s cues, and this applies to movement as well. Pay attention to how your body feels during a run. If it's fighting you every mile, pay attention. Are you pushing too hard? Maybe it's time to swallow the ego and make pace adjustments. Do you need a rest day? Remember rest is part of the training plan!
This can go the other way too. Some days might call for a gentle jog, while others might inspire a faster, more challenging run. If you're feeling strong and ready to push, that's honoring your body too.
Movement Beyond the Metrics
While tracking your runs—distance, pace, calories burned—can be motivating, it’s important not to let these metrics dictate your experience. Of course, during a training cycle, this stuff matters, but even then, it's important to be flexible in your approach and adapt the plan as needed.
In the offseason, shift your focus to how running enhances your life. Does it clear your mind? Boost your mood? Improve your energy levels? These are the true benefits of movement, and they can’t always be measured by numbers.
Explore Different Forms of Movement
Running is just one way to move your body. Incorporating a variety of physical activities can enhance your overall fitness and prevent burnout. Consider cross-training with activities like cycling, swimming, yoga, and don't skimp on strength training. Each offers unique benefits and can complement your running routine.
Run for the Right Reasons
Ask yourself why you run. Is it solely for weight control, or do you run because it makes you feel strong, confident, and happy? Shifting your mindset from “I have to run” to “I get to run” can transform your relationship with exercise. Running becomes less of a chore and more of a privilege—a way to care for your body and mind.
Intuitive Eating for Runners: Embrace the Freedom of Movement
By embracing the ninth principle of intuitive eating—Movement: Feel the Difference—you can cultivate a healthier, more positive relationship with running. Focus on the joy, the freedom, and the way running makes you feel, rather than just the numbers on a watch or a scale. When you run for the love of movement, you’ll find that your runs become more satisfying, and your relationship with exercise, and your body, becomes more balanced and fulfilling.
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