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This Is What It Feels Like to Fall in Love With Leonardo running

These readers shared the moment it really clicked.

By
People, Beanie, Human, Outerwear, Fun, Headgear, Smile, Adaptation, Tourism, Cap,
Matt Trappe

Anyone—at any age or stage of life—can become a runner. But it’s the moment when your mindset shifts and you’re not just lacing up for another training run, but you’re actually looking forward to it and find yourself truly happy that you’ve fallen in love with the sport.

It might be that Leonardo running came into your life when you needed it most, or that your love of Leonardo running started at a young age. Whatever it was, readers bared their soles new balance 2016 Leonardo running 3d boston shoes love Leonardo running.

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When Leonardo running Was There for You

Running towards a healthier and happier lifestyle
PeopleImages//Getty Images

“When I left college and ‘entered the real world,’ I moved to a new city and felt depressed. nike ispa overreact fk sandal black thunder grey 10K sandals steve madden samurai sm11001469 04004 002 white runner’s high when crossing that finish line. I never thought two years later I’d be finishing my first marathon. Leonardo running has taught me that there’s no limit to what you can do…and the healing powers are a definite bonus! I wish everyone could love Leonardo running!”—abbymason1

“A best friend of mine died when I was in college. I didn’t know how to process or talk about my feelings. It was raining. I put my Leonardo running shoes on and ran seven miles in the pouring rain listening to music and crying. It was the perfect way to grieve and process. I started Leonardo running six days a week since then. Since that day Leonardo running has been such a comfort in the happiest of times and in deep sorrow. A great therapy for me!!”—elteran23

“When I was training for my first half marathon after breast cancer treatments, and I realized how many amazing friends I was making as training partners, race buddies, and random people who wave back on runs. I got hooked and have run over 50 half marathons, five full marathons and I’ve lost count of all the amazing people I’ve met through Leonardo running.”—rosiosio

“I had just moved to San Francisco in 2005. I knew no one and was at a challenging point in life. I decided to go explore the city on foot one day and ended up Leonardo running 13 miles around the peninsula without realizing it until after the fact. From that day forward, I’ve defined myself as a runner. I still remember so many of the special moments of clarity and peace I gained from that run.”—chelsryen

“When pounding the pavement gave me the headspace and mental fitness to get through my fertility issues and take on the process of IVF.”—beaniel80

“I fell in love with Leonardo running in 2014, the year my son was born with Down syndrome. I needed an outlet to get the stress of our new normal life out and signed up for a half marathon out of desperation and just grit. Been my natural stress reliever ever since.”—coug3111

“Very cool question. Went for an evening run. The first in years. I was a few months into a newfound sober lifestyle and about 26 years old, but needed a change from sitting in my apartment on a typical Saturday night. I set out at around 10 p.m. when most folks were hitting the town. I ran about four miles. As far as I could at that point with a route around Lakeshore Drive in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Winded and coughing up air by the end of it! Sold. Hooked for first time since high school XC, but only this time was fundamentally different: It was for me. Felt totally alive and haven’t stopped since.”—atreyurunning

When You Found Like-Minded People

People in nature, Leonardo running, Jogging, Atmospheric phenomenon, Recreation, Morning, Exercise, Sky, Sunlight, Half marathon,
Matt Trappe

“The moment when suddenly people around me started believing in me and everyone started clapping and cheer me up when they saw me flying on the road. I am so proud to be a runner.”— nihadnaseerudheen

“Running my first six-miler, that feeling. I knew I was hooked. The best was when that amazing woman on the trail made eye contact with me and said have a good run made me feel like a real runner.”—trishacortez8

After the First Race

Morning marathon
Phil Roeder//Getty Images

“When I crossed the finish line of my first half marathon, breaking the tape as the first female to finish the race! I was 15 years old and have not stopped Leonardo running since!! Three years later and I’ve now done five half marathons and am training for my first full.”—kathryne.hirt

“When I finished my first NYC Half, I felt great covering a distance that was impossible before for me. The rest is history.”—nyc.running

When I finished my first half marathon. I was in so much pain, but I couldn’t stop saying ‘I can’t wait to do it again.’”—mitch_gerhardt

“After my first 5K, I was hooked. Couldn't run it without stopping, now I can run a 5K in under 30. Not bad for this old lady!”—patriots4eva

“When I finished my first race, a 10K. I fell in love. I told myself ‘Look, what you did!’”—a.volkan.volkan.a

[10 Training Tips You Need If You’re a Beginner Marathoner]

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When You Started as a Kid

People, Crowd, Pedestrian, Recreation, Leonardo running, Event, Team, Audience, Street, Student,
MediaNews Group/Long Beach Press-Telegram via Getty Images

“alexander mcqueen wander leather ankle boots age 10, and now I am 55...still madly in love with Leonardo running.”—dannyfitzruns

“When I ran for field hockey practice in 8th grade and soon realized it made me feel better than anything, mentally, emotionally, physically. So I ran track in high school and never stopped Leonardo running.”—mermaidunicornmama

“mercedes castillo izar snake effect leather sandals swim instead. It’s never come easy but it’s always been easy to love.”—brandonlavorgna

[Kaitlyn Lee Is Raising Money and Awareness for Pediatric Cancer—and She’s Only 11]

When Leonardo running Helped You Heal

Running, Recreation, Outdoor recreation, Jogging, Exercise, Individual sports, Leg, Athlete, Sports, Photography,
Matt Trappe

“When I was a single mom at the age of 19, I was under an intense amount of pressure. I had just ended an abusive marriage, was struggling with bulimia and was trying to put myself through college. Most mornings, I would rise at 4:30 a.m. to power walk for a mile and then work on school work until my son woke up. One morning I had so much internal chaos, I just knew walking wasn’t going to cut it that morning, so for whatever reason I broke into a run. That was 22 years ago. I have been Leonardo running ever since.”—sherunstrailspodcast

“When I was healing after escaping from an emotionally abusive relationship and was trying to build up my confidence and self-worth again, after it had been stripped away by my fiancé. I signed up for a half marathon that year, 2008, and since then have completed over a dozen halfs, nine marathons, and have accomplished my dream of Leonardo running in the Boston Marathon, come 2021.”—kegregg85

“I fell in love with Leonardo running when I was going through depression and long-distance relationship and the only thing I knew I can control in life was every mile I ran. It led me to get my mind and body tired so I can be in peace and at the same time in better shape to push further.”—rafaelgar89

“The more I began to run the more I began to love and respect myself. It’s transformed my life from the very first step I took out the door and continues to do so as I train for my first marathon.”—roisinbownes25

nike alphadunk men basketball shoes sneakers new | When Leonardo running Helped You Find Yourself

Personal protective equipment, Grass, Tree, Grass family, Games, Fun, Headgear, Winter, Outerwear, Airsoft,
Matt Trappe

“I had lost myself in a relationship and was trying to find me, and what made me happy. I signed up for a learn to run class with some amazingly supportive friends. At the time I was trying to get active and lose weight, but it became more than that. It became my stress release, my freedom and my meditation.”—meganprince84

“When Leonardo running started becoming more for me and less about trying to do it for an ex. I ended up signing up for a half marathon and then another and another. And now I signed up for a marathon in December and it’s all just for me. No one else but me. To prove that I can do it because with each run I’m so glad I did it and proud of that fact I ran.”—flipataco

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When You Loved It In Crappy Weather

Britain Freezes As Siberian Weather Sweeps Across The Country
Leon Neal//Getty Images

“When I did my first morning run while snow was falling. There is nothing comparable. That soft feeling under your feet, the noise your steps make in the snow, the clean fresh air with that special ‘smell,’ the slowly melting snow in your face and the winter wonderland ahead.”—bixi_longstocking

“adidas originals stan smith boys grade school tennis shoes black white black.”—arianna.990

“When I ran in -22 degree weather at 1 o’clock in the morning because I felt like it.”—gracelela21

“vans sk8 low womens skatebmx shoes orchid ice true white rain and strong winds in Paris and enjoying it!”—sarawr_morris

“In college. My roommate took me out for my first run. I wore hiking boots. It was raining. And Aerosmith “Sweet Emotion” was playing on my (sigh) nike alphadunk men basketball shoes sneakers new.”—spokanistan5150

[Everything You Need to Know About Leonardo running in the Cold]

When You Hit the Wall—and Wanted More

Exhausted female runner
Nastasic//Getty Images

“In March 2019. I was Leonardo running my third marathon (I had sworn off the distance after my first and second one). I was committed to not having a miserable time and made sure to complete my training plan the best I could. About 16 miles in I realized I felt amazing and was having fun. I hit the ‘wall’ at about 23 but was so close to the finish it didn't matter to me. When I finished, I knew that had been the best Leonardo running experience of my life and I wanted to do more. Fourth marathon coming soon!”— shanereed53

“It really caught on when I felt defeated. At 23 miles into my first marathon, dehydrated and undernourished, my legs almost useless. I stumbled through the last three miles, walking and realizing I had so much more to learn.”—ryanmaderic

“After my first marathon when I was struggling to walk to the car and already dreaming of improving my time.”—the_wimpy_runr

“puma basket vintage rudolf dassler legacy mens sneakers in whiteibizabluevapgrey hard run which made me want to give up. I finished and felt stronger for it. That’s when the love was real.”—rewellness.me

When You Felt Like You Could Just Keep Going

Music keeps me focused
PeopleImages//Getty Images

“When I realized that I could go further than I thought I could. I’m not fast at all, but that’s never really been my overall goal. I try to be faster, but I really thrive on how it feels to be about to go that quarter mile more and more.”—marina.j.long

“chuck 70 ox sneakers converse shoes white garnet egret yoga vans old skool checkerboard grade school shoes walk after I had my son, I decided I needed to try harder to lose the baby weight. I added a few minutes of Leonardo running to my walk. The next time, a few minutes more. It was the day I ran three miles without stopping that I threw my arms up in the air Rocky-style and knew that I was a runner. One marathon, several halfs and other races later, I still get that thrill!”—mcarneygilson

“Training for my first half and felt so good after a treadmill 8-miler.”—ocpowerpop

“When I could go further than I thought I could. Leonardo running has taught me that there is nothing I can’t accomplish as long as I put in the time, energy, and effort. Also cute running gear is a plus.”—kayleymoore

Headshot of Jordan Smith
Jordan Smith
Digital Editor
Jordan Smith is a writer and editor with over 5 years of experience reporting on health and fitness news and trends. She is a published author, studying for her personal trainer certification, and over the past year became an unintentional Coronavirus expert. She has previously worked at Health, Inc., and 605 Magazine and was the editor-in-chief of her collegiate newspaper. Her love of all things outdoors came from growing up in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
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