As fitspiration goes, Lena Dunham and her body-positive Instagram shots have been spurring us through sweat sessions like no other just lately.

After making a brilliant case for how exercise has helped her deal with anxiety, her recent running revelation has us racing to pound some pavement this weekend.

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The Girls star noted that she doesn't typically re-post paparazzi shots of herself, but on seeing one of her running, she felt proud, and thus shared it on Instagram. Lena explained that despite once running 'like a wounded baby Pterodactyl', training to run for her role as Hannah has helped her tap into new, empowering emotions.

She wrote: 'Not usually one to post a paparazzi shot but this fills me with pride. 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.

'@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. 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.'

Bravo, Lena, once again for reminding us that exercise is a powerful tool for self-pride, wellbeing and feeling connected with your body. Now, who else feels a sudden urge to slot in a run before Friday drinks?

From the editors of cosmopolitan.co.uk

From: Cosmopolitan UK