One thing I love about running is how it never fails to surprise me.
I was not supposed to have a good run last Saturday. I was battling a nasty head cold and there was a wind advisory all day. So I had no expectations, just told myself to run at whatever pace I was comfortable, and I left the Garmin at home. Of course, it turned out to be one of my strongest and most solid runs in a long time. I finished 8 miles in 1:14–even with a few nose-blowing stops.
And that got me thinking. Why did I keep running, even though I felt kind of crummy? In fact, why did I even head out there at all? I mean, a head cold and wind advisory certainly merits postponing a run to lounge around in sweatpants, right?
That’s when I realized this is one of the ways running has changed me. The “old me” would have gladly taken that excuse, lined up an old episode of Beverly Hills, 90210 and grabbed a coffee refill instead of her running shoes. But the new “runner” me knew at least I had to get out there and try, even if I ran 10+ minute miles or take walking breaks.
And that got me thinking. What other things have I learned from running?
Here are five ways running has changed me:
1. I’ve learned so much about patience, persistence, discipline, and practice. Something gets me up and out of bed at 5 a.m., or lacing up those running shoes the day after a challenging run, or not making excuses for avoiding a run when its sometimes sooo easy to do so (trust me, my career in public relations means I can spin anything). I’m also an impatient person who is all about instant gratification, and the process of training for a half marathon taught me more about patience than I ever expected, because results don’t happen overnight. It takes time and dedication.
2. “Let it go” and be in the moment. I’m a Type A worrier — always have been, and probably always will be. And, sure, there are times when I stress myself out mid-run, criticizing my time, doubting my ability, etc. But there have been glorious runs where my legs feel free and (not to sound too “new age-y”) my mind feels free. When I’m running, I’m there in the moment. There’s nothing I can do at that moment about a work deadline or the grocery shopping that needs to be done. I’m not a mom or a wife or an employee or a friend — I’m just me. I think that’s why I generally prefer to run alone.
3. To believe in myself. I talk a big game, but I’ve ALWAYS had issues with self-confidence, whether it’s about my body or my abilities or even my accomplishments. Crossing the finish line of that first half marathon was truly a life-changing moment for me. It taught me that I am stronger (physically and mentally) than I think I am, and that hard work and both trusting and believing in myself means I can do anything I put my mind to.
4. It’s okay to brag! As women, we’re so conditioned to downplaying our accomplishments, to brushing off compliments, to being simply unable to handle praise without responding with something negative. Like it’s somehow a bad thing to publicly feel proud of ourselves. But running — and, in many ways, this blog — have helped me find my voice, have helped me realize it’s okay to want to shout from the rooftops when I’ve done something I’m proud of … and not to minimize those feats and triumphs.
5. Be flexible. When you’re training, sometimes things don’t go according to plan. Sometimes you are pressed for time and need to cut a run short. Sometimes you’re just feeling crummy or are nursing an injury. Sometimes you may head out for a run and find yourself running longer and faster than you planned because you felt so good. When you run, you just have to be the best you on that particular day. This was probably one of the hardest lessons for a planner like me to learn, and I admit is one I probably still struggle with.
Okay, runner friends, your turn. What has running taught you? How has it changed you — physically, mentally, or spiritually?
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Kristen says
I love all of this! I feel that running has changed me in many of the same ways. I love it and I’m so grateful that I got into it because it has made me a stronger person for sure!