It’s well documented by now the important role running plays in my life. Why do I love it so much? I’m glad you asked. Here are the top reasons that I started running 30 years ago and never stopped.
Belonging to a Community
We all gravitate towards those with whom we share similar interests and goals. It’s natural that one of my favorite things about running is being amongst other runners. Whether training or racing, I’m always surrounded by people who understand me and relate to me. On any given day at any given time, I can take to the nearby trails and encounter countless others out getting in their mileage. The slight nod, wave, or even robust greeting is always a welcome sign of camaraderie. When lining up for a race, it’s entertaining to listen to conversations of those around me and feel a bond with complete strangers. Whatever the topic of their commentary, I’m either thinking it or having the same exchange with my running partners. My husband dreads it when I encounter other runners in social situations. Though he loves sports and even runs an occasional race himself, he can only listen to so much talk about sore muscles, bruised toenails, skin chafing, and how great or awful that last race was. I try to pick up on his cues when he’s heard enough, but I am usually too engrossed in conversation and eager to get my point across that he often suffers at my expense. A sense of belonging is a very gratifying part of running.
The Solidarity
I don’t intend to be contradictory. I just appreciate the solitude of running as much as the community. I can run a race with 8,000 of my closest friends and still keep all to myself at various points throughout the course. Wrapped up in thought and strategy, I can block everyone else out and focus on the task at hand or merely enjoy the peacefulness I feel. Though the trails and sidewalks on which I train are very high traffic, I can normally find solitude and worry only about my goal. And once I’m ready to engage, well, I need not look far to find company.
The Food
I love to eat. I’m more than thrilled when a long run or race approaches and I find myself planning out all I can eat the day leading up to it. 12 miles tomorrow? Pasta and bread for dinner it is! 18 miles tomorrow? An extra serving of each, please! Once said long run or race is complete, watch out. I’ll eat my food and I might take yours’, too. Okay, I’m kidding. A little bit. Don’t get me wrong, I eat more than I need. Sadly, I’ve come to learn that running does not give me a license to consume whatever I want. I have actually gained weight while training for a marathon, which should have been my first clue. I always figured I shouldn’t change my diet while training. Deal with that after the race has always been what I’ve told myself. Despite my love of food and beverage, I am learning that my body can perform with fewer calories. I’m trying to find proper balance, allowing myself to indulge while still maintaining a healthy diet. When I find the secret, I’ll be sure to blog about it.
Sore Muscles
Don’t pretend you don’t know what I’m talking about. You know the feeling. That glorious soreness that results from a tough workout or race. Sometimes it sets in the same day. Sometimes you have to wait until the next day to experience it. You know you worked hard, but you need your muscles to confirm it. When you don’t get sore, you second-guess your efforts. Did you really work as hard as you thought? And when the soreness subsides and you can get up off the couch or out of bed without grunting, you’re sad. So admit it, people. You and I, we both love sore muscles.
Working Towards a Goal
I panic when I don’t have a race on my schedule. Running just to run is great. But running to train for a race is even better. I thrive when I have a goal. Whether it’s a 10 mile, half marathon, or marathon, I feel such purpose each time I set out to train. Oftentimes, I experience a huge let down after a race. It’s almost like the sadness some experience after the holidays or other big life events. You work so hard to get to that day, you’re not sure what to do with yourself once the event is over. That’s why I often sign up for another race within days of finishing one. Every once in awhile, I experience burnout and take time to run just for pleasure. This lasts for varying amounts of time as, in general, having a goal keeps me disciplined and on track.
Feeling Good at Something
I’m not saying I’m good. I would never brag like that. What I am saying is that I feel I’m good at running, at least compared to most other things I do or have done. Sure, I’ve experienced success in many areas of life, but I’m most proud of my running achievements. Perhaps it’s because it’s the one thing I’ve been dedicated to for most of my life. Perhaps it’s because the heartaches it’s caused me have made me appreciate the successes so much more. What I do know is that the longer I keep running, the more my statistics seem to improve. Is it because the competition in my peer group has quit? Who knows. I find joy and reward in it regardless.
Minimal Equipment Necessary
Runners are lucky, as are the parents that raised them. We don’t need a lot of expensive equipment to participate safely in our sport. A good pair of shoes and comfortable, breathable attire are all that’s necessary. Toss in a little sunblock and we can be out the door in minutes. The lack of bulky and excessive equipment also means we can get our miles in most anywhere. You can always find room in your suitcase or duffel bag for what’s needed to run while away from home.
It Makes Me Tougher
Whether it’s training in extreme temperatures, logging high mileage, or dealing with seemingly unending pesky injuries, running has made me a tougher person. The physical and mental challenges have tried to wear me down and break me, but I’ve always worked diligently to manage them and stay the course. It hasn’t always been easy, and a lot of credit goes to my support system for their encouragement during uncertain times. Aging adds a new layer of complexity but I’m determined to stay healthy, keep the injuries to a minimum, and keep on running. Did I mention that I’m also really good at outrunning geese, convincing dogs I don’t pose a threat, and sternly warning foxes to not even bother attempting any attack on me? Indeed, running has made me tougher. And braver.
So there you have it. I heart running.