Happy National Running Day! Last year, I had a really hard time filling out the "I Run" badge you see here. There were so many reasons, and putting them into a single, direct phrase was pretty daunting.
This year, I was a little better prepared. Looking at all running has given me and all it has taught me, it can be summed up simply enough:
Really, isn't that what it boils down to? Running challenges me. It shows me what I'm really made of. What I can accomplish. It has shown me that I am...
...stronger than I ever thought...
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| A new 5k PR and the first time I ever placed at a race. |
...more capable...
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| Finishing my last leg of Ragnar with one final kill. |
...braver...
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| The first time I ever raced alone. |
...and more resilient.
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| A new half marathon PR just a week post-Ragnar. |
I know and understand myself so much better because of running. That's an invaluable gift.
Even as a "seasoned" runner (I've been running for five years now, I can hardly believe it!), I still fall into the trap of seeing runners and assuming it's easy for them. But we all know the truth. Running takes effort, and it's the effort that makes it great.
Recently, I've been getting those messages I so love from old friends. You know the kind...they tell you that your running has inspired them, and they want to try it out, and can you offer advice?
So this is for you, newcomers. Welcome to the tribe! Of all the things running has given me, I think the friendships will always be #1.
Why do YOU run?
ABK
I was just thinking about this last night. Running gives us so much time to be introspective which I find really valuable. During a long run I'll sometimes try to build up an argument for or against a controversial topic, just to see what I come up with! That kind of thinking is it's own journey in self-discovery. The kind you mentioned in this post is even better because those qualities you've developed through running last longer than a single training session - they last for life! Happy National Running Day!
ReplyDeleteI'm soo bad at voicing both sides of an argument. I think that would be a fun exercise to try on my next long run!
DeleteI run because it makes me feel accomplished :)
ReplyDeleteI feel you on that one!
DeleteI run to distress and for everything that it has given me; strength, friendships, fitness opportunities, laughter, and tears!
ReplyDeleteAgreed on all counts!
DeleteGreat post Ali! :) I run because simply it's what I love doing. Happy NRD!!!
ReplyDeleteHappiness is key!
DeleteI love this post!!!!!!! I love it when people are inspired by runners or when people don't want to run with you because you are too speedy! That one always cracks me up!!!! :)
ReplyDeleteHaha, that always gets me too! I'm like, speedy?! Since when?!
DeleteRunning is a never ending challenge for me...which I love!
ReplyDeleteSame!! I love the challenge!
DeleteTo discover myself. Yes. I have read so many "why I run" things today and yesterday but I think I have to go with yours as being the one that resonates the most with me! Well done. It's like you're a writer or an English major or something...
ReplyDeleteHaha...once in awhile, I really get it right!
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