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Lena Dunham Now Proud to Run, Says She Used to Do It Looking “Like a Wounded Baby Pterodactyl”

Lena Dunham has learned to embrace running
Lena Dunham has learned to embrace running

Go, Lena! Lena Dunham has overcome a lifelong hatred of running, and with the help of a personal trainer has started to feel proud, rather than embarrassed, when she pounds the streets in her workout gear.

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The Girls star took to Instagram on Wednesday, July 29, to share a paparazzi picture of herself working up a sweat in skintight blue lycra while taking a jog. And while she's no fan of unsolicited photos, the actress wanted to share the pride she felt on seeing the snap, not least because running used to be something she could hardly bear to do.

"Not usually one to post a paparazzi shot but this fills me with pride," the 29-year-old actress captioned the photo. "Basically my whole life I have hated running and run like a wounded baby Pterodactyl. It was embarrassing and honestly I did not trust myself to escape a burning building or even move briskly towards a buffet," she continued.

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"@jennikonner is directing the season finale of Girls and decided that as Hannah evolved so would her run, so she got me a training session with Matt Wilpers from Mile High Run Club" Dunham continued. "Within an hour I had a different relationship to this formerly torturous activity. I felt strong, swift and proud. I'm not about to embrace that triathlon life but it's a true joy to continue getting more connected to my body and its powers. (Extra motivation provided by @manrepeller for @outdoorvoices.) #moveforyourmind," she said.

Dunham has been outspoken recently about her efforts to "move for your mind" — an initiative to raise awareness of the importance of exercise in regards to her mental health.

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“It has helped with my anxiety in ways I never dreamed possible,” Dunham said recently of her new fitness routine. “To those struggling with anxiety, OCD, depression: I know it's mad annoying when people tell you to exercise, and it took me about 16 medicated years to listen. I'm glad I did. It ain't about the ass, it's about the brain.”

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