If you’ve been running for awhile you know that you can’t run the same way every day or you’ll get injured or at the very least, incredibly burned out!

In a typical training cycle you’ve got your long runs, your tempo runs, your easy runs. But about 3 years ago, I added a new type of run to my list.

I call it my “gratitude run”

and how often I need to do it depends on my frame of mind. Once a week, ideally, but at the very least once a month.

I’m not even sure I like putting this run with the rest because it doubles as a spiritual practice, so it feels almost mundane to put it in the same sweaty category as 4 x 400’s or mile repeats.

My faith has always been the leading motivator of my decisions in life but it can be hard to really connect with God in a quiet space. And I crave it.

Here’s how it works (these are just guidelines that I use. There aren’t really any “rules”).

No music, Garmin or apps. I have to run this particular run sans any distractions. It has to be me and the road and my Jesus.

Practice gratitude. I don’t pray, exactly, but I do practice gratitude. Today, for example, I thanked God for everything from my working bones and muscles to my kids and even the fact that I live in a safe neighborhood where I can run peacefully.

Run a happy, easy pace. This isn’t a time to beat speed records (besides, with no app or Garmin how would I even know?) but rather to focus on my breathing and my footfall, and just be still within myself and let your body move.

As I move into the summer, my goal is to do one of these every week. It centers me in a way that’s hard to describe. I’m not the first person of faith to use physical exercise as spiritual practice. After all, for centuries people have been walking the Camino de Santiago (for a beautiful film that covers this watch The Way with Martin Sheen. Breathtaking.).

And St. Francis of Assisi (quoted above) is famous for his walks,  connecting with God and nature.

I firmly believe that our bodies, souls, and minds were meant to work TOGETHER. Running and worshiping is, therefore, for me, the perfect spiritual practice.

“Running is just such a monastEry – a retreat, a place to commune with God and yourself, a place for psychological and spiritual renewal.” George Sheehan

If your running has gone stale, or worse, maybe your life has, try it. If you’re used to running with lots of 180 beat per minute music it will feel very odd at first. But as you lean into the rhythm of your own heart, my hope is that you’ll find peace and grace in the running.

Happy running.

Jen