Running changed me and other random thoughts

I am sure that I have posted about this in the past - I'm too lazy to go back and look. 

Running changed me.  A lot. 

I belong to a diet and exercise forum and occasionally read and post there.  I read a thread today asking "What do you avoid because you're overweight?".  It made me kind of sad to read the replies.  So many women, many who are barely overweight, avoid so many things everyday because of their weight.  I so used to be like that.  I sat here, trying to think of something that I avoid because of my weight.  And could not think of a single thing anymore.  I try to enjoy my life as much as I can and stopped worrying about my weight and what others thought.  It has been very freeing to feel that way. 

Losing weight has been part of that change but I know a lot of it is tied to my running.  Running just changed the way I think of my body.  I know I still have fat legs (fat gams ;) ) and a fat ass but I think of them as strong now.  And able to keep me moving for hours at a time.  It's funny that I was thinking that even with my weight loss the ONLY muscles on my body that are visable are my calf muscles.  It's from all the running :) I can't hate my legs or ass anymore because they keep me moving.   

Today I had a woman clap for me as I ran by her - it was kind of cool.  And kept me going today.  I did 5 miles and did it under an hour! :) It's been awhile since I've done that.  My last mile was just over 11 mintues and was my fastest mile.  I feel very strong and good with my running lately.  I did a 7.25 mile run 2 weeks ago and did a 6 mile run last weekend.  And while both were hard, I ran all of it.  No walking.  Well, I did have to take water breaks as I wasn't carrying the water with me.  But no walking.  That's huge for me.  I have always thought I HAD to do run/walk on longer runs.  But I don't.  I can push myself and keep running. 

I'm just so so glad I started running.  I don't even really know why I did.  I know I was inspired by a friend who talked about when she used to run and how good it made her feel.  And watching the people on TBL run inspired me too.