by Kristen Buford
Looking back at different parts of my life, I realize that the hardest parts have always involved changes. Most people generally do not like change. Humans are creatures of comfort; they get comfortable in their normal daily routines and get stuck in a rut that can be very hard to escape. Most people fail to realize life can throw amazing opportunities at you when you step out of your comfort zone and try something new.
For a very long time I was that person. After being discharged from the Navy and moving back home, I fell into an easy routine: work then home. That was it. I was overwhelmed with all the changes that came with getting out of the military on top of having a baby at home. My routine was the only thing I could count on to be predictable. This was probably one of the worst phases in my life. I struggled with postpartum depression, severe anxiety, PTSD, and I gained more weight than I care to admit. I consistently felt sick. I thought I was getting sick from my daughter, but I was doing this to myself.
It was a comment that my husband made to me that really made me snap out of my funk. I was complaining about how much weight I had gained, and he rolled his eyes at me and told me to go do something about it then. I thought about it that night and decided I would make some changes. I set out workout clothes for the next morning and set my alarm for about an hour earlier than I normal. When I rolled out of bed the next morning, I was not even sure what I was going to do, but I decided to start with a run. I did not realize how out of shape I was. I tried to run a mile but ended up having to stop at about a half of a mile. I was so upset that I couldn’t even run a mile. I had always passed my physical tests while I was in the Navy.
How did I let myself get that bad? I decided I would take control of my life and get back to where I needed to be. I continued to get up in the mornings and ran as far as I could. I also began to add strength training by going to Camp Gladiator with a friend of mine several times a week. I noticed as the weeks went by, the miles became easier, my anxiety levels dropped significantly, and I was a lot happier. I also began to get out of the house. I truly started feeling like myself again.
Today, running has become a huge part of my life. I really look forward to my morning runs and the people I see at the park. It has become one of my favorite parts of my day. In addition, I started signing up for races with my aunt and really enjoy them. Recently, I was able to complete my first 15k and have another next month.
My anxiety and depression have mostly subsided, and I have been able to lose a significant amount of weight. I also have not been sick in a very long time. I do not think I would be where I am today if I had not made the changes and put in the work that was necessary for those changes to happen. Running has truly made a difference in my life. Change is always hard, but some of the best opportunities can come from change. You must be willing to step out of your comfort zone and try new things.
