As mentioned in this post, I have been running for over 20 years. It all started in first grade with the yearly Turkey Trot hosted by the physical fitness department. With my long legs and un-denying stubborn personality, it shouldn’t have been a surprise that I adored running. It also probably didn't hurt that I won that first Turkey Trot...
Read this post to learn more about my years of running in middle school, high school, college, and beyond.
During all of these years of running, I have learned quite a few things about myself and life thanks to pounding out miles. For anyone who is thinking of strapping on some running shoes or encouraging a child to become more active, I highly recommend running. It is such a great, lifelong habit. One of the items on my "do before you die" list is to learn how to tap dance at 50. I am also hoping to still be able to run 3 miles in 35 minutes at age 70.
During all of these years of running, I have learned quite a few things about myself and life thanks to pounding out miles. For anyone who is thinking of strapping on some running shoes or encouraging a child to become more active, I highly recommend running. It is such a great, lifelong habit. One of the items on my "do before you die" list is to learn how to tap dance at 50. I am also hoping to still be able to run 3 miles in 35 minutes at age 70.
In no particular order, here is what I have learned thanks to putting one foot in front of the other:
I have a lot of random, crazy thoughts going on in my head.
When you are running for a couple of hours on an empty trail or road without any music or anyone else for that matter, you start to really connect with yourself, your thoughts, and the sights around you. During my runs I hold millions of conversations with myself (thankfully, not out loud. I'm not THAT crazy). I ponder tough questions, I run through my to-do list, I scream about ugly situations, I tell myself jokes, I think about what the future will hold, I remember, I forgive, I forget, I throw all of my thoughts and emotions out there and just let the trail pick them up. It has been said before, but I truly believe it is true, that running really is the best therapy!! I am forever grateful for my outlet of running...and so it Eric.
Being independent is so powerful.
I have a lot of random, crazy thoughts going on in my head.
When you are running for a couple of hours on an empty trail or road without any music or anyone else for that matter, you start to really connect with yourself, your thoughts, and the sights around you. During my runs I hold millions of conversations with myself (thankfully, not out loud. I'm not THAT crazy). I ponder tough questions, I run through my to-do list, I scream about ugly situations, I tell myself jokes, I think about what the future will hold, I remember, I forgive, I forget, I throw all of my thoughts and emotions out there and just let the trail pick them up. It has been said before, but I truly believe it is true, that running really is the best therapy!! I am forever grateful for my outlet of running...and so it Eric.
Being independent is so powerful.
I don't need anyone else to go with me to the bathroom. Sorry ladies, I have never understood that one!
I know how to get myself out the door and run by myself for quite a few minutes or even hours. Running doesn't require a team, it is all on you, babe!
I am very comfortable with hanging out alone with my own thoughts and the world around me; even when that world around me is a little sketchy and even potentially dangerous. I have learned how to ignore the stares and honks and in general annoying people while still keeping my guard up and being prepared to "take action" if need be.
I have learned that I really don't have to rely on anyone else, I am strong minded and willed. I think independence helps to create confidence as well as self-determination. These are two additional traits I also attribute to my running. They have been extremely valuable in my life, in particular in my professional life.
Self-confidence- In my current position I have found myself in sketchy taxi cabs, on planes to countries located halfway around the world, giving presentations to a room of over 100 individuals with only 3 other women, and even at a dinner with 60 men and zero other women (in Qatar, no less). In all of these situations I have been fine. No, I wasn't completely comfortable or truly happy, but I held my head high and continued on. Isn't that after-all the definition of self-confidence?
Self-Determination- closely related to self-discipline in my book. It's really easy to stop running when you don't have to chase after a ball to pass to your teammate. Absolutely no one cares if I don't run. (Trust me, I have a ton of cheerleaders, Eric and my parents and brother being the biggest ones, but there isn't much they can do to force me to run (unless they somehow figure out a way to get a wo-man eating lion to chase after me)). But in my opinion it is this self-determination that makes running even more rewarding. Again, it's all on you.
Self-discipline has been amazing for my working life, especially right now, because I work from home. I have zero co-workers "checking-in" on me. In the end I am my own boss but thanks to the self-determination that I have developed via long miles on the road, I "get to it" and get my work done.
I love myself, just as I am.
It's true, I'm no super model (SURPRISE!). My body is not made for the front-cover of magazines (at least per the definition of our society). But, I know my legs are powerful, my lungs are clean, and I can run farther than the large majority of the population. I know I am doing something good for my health. I know I am strong. With this love comes self-respect. Self-respect means I give a crap and my actions show it. Sure, I sometimes eat too much and I have sometimes had one too many drinky-drinks, but this is by no means is a common occurrence because I understand cause and effect and I don't like the consequences. I have never touched a cigarette or any drugs. I like my lungs the way they are and my brain in tact. To me, this self-love and self-respect is invaluable.
I can read a map.
I have learned that I really don't have to rely on anyone else, I am strong minded and willed. I think independence helps to create confidence as well as self-determination. These are two additional traits I also attribute to my running. They have been extremely valuable in my life, in particular in my professional life.
Self-confidence- In my current position I have found myself in sketchy taxi cabs, on planes to countries located halfway around the world, giving presentations to a room of over 100 individuals with only 3 other women, and even at a dinner with 60 men and zero other women (in Qatar, no less). In all of these situations I have been fine. No, I wasn't completely comfortable or truly happy, but I held my head high and continued on. Isn't that after-all the definition of self-confidence?
Self-Determination- closely related to self-discipline in my book. It's really easy to stop running when you don't have to chase after a ball to pass to your teammate. Absolutely no one cares if I don't run. (Trust me, I have a ton of cheerleaders, Eric and my parents and brother being the biggest ones, but there isn't much they can do to force me to run (unless they somehow figure out a way to get a wo-man eating lion to chase after me)). But in my opinion it is this self-determination that makes running even more rewarding. Again, it's all on you.
Self-discipline has been amazing for my working life, especially right now, because I work from home. I have zero co-workers "checking-in" on me. In the end I am my own boss but thanks to the self-determination that I have developed via long miles on the road, I "get to it" and get my work done.
I love myself, just as I am.
It's true, I'm no super model (SURPRISE!). My body is not made for the front-cover of magazines (at least per the definition of our society). But, I know my legs are powerful, my lungs are clean, and I can run farther than the large majority of the population. I know I am doing something good for my health. I know I am strong. With this love comes self-respect. Self-respect means I give a crap and my actions show it. Sure, I sometimes eat too much and I have sometimes had one too many drinky-drinks, but this is by no means is a common occurrence because I understand cause and effect and I don't like the consequences. I have never touched a cigarette or any drugs. I like my lungs the way they are and my brain in tact. To me, this self-love and self-respect is invaluable.
I can read a map.
When I started running we didn't have fancy google maps or garmins. I used to pull out a paper map and string and map out my runs. Now I use gpedometer because I love looking on a map and seeing other running loop options.
I know how to set goals. (reasonable goals)
I know how to set goals. (reasonable goals)
Something I love about running is that it is a great way for everyone to learn about setting goals. And I think running has taught me to set reasonable goals, mainly because of all the stuff that goes on in between setting the goal and reaching it. I never set a goal (running or otherwise) that doesn't involve a clear plan of how I will be able to achieve said goal. I have been known to edit a goal after thinking about the plan to achieve the goal. Learning how to set reasonable goals helps you achieve more goals.
I understand what it means to set priorities
I understand what it means to set priorities
Running is a selfish sport, there isn’t a team, it can take many hours away from family and friends and other activities.
But what I have learned is that I am a better person and more prepared to handle the rest of life thanks to running.
What this means is that sometimes I choose to spend my time going for a run instead of mopping the kitchen floor. Somedays I choose to go for a run instead of sitting in front of the tv. Sometimes I choose to go for a run instead of fixing an amazing meal. But thanks to the decision to go on those runs I am a more pleasant person to be around and overall better prepared to take on life.
But what I have learned is that I am a better person and more prepared to handle the rest of life thanks to running.
What this means is that sometimes I choose to spend my time going for a run instead of mopping the kitchen floor. Somedays I choose to go for a run instead of sitting in front of the tv. Sometimes I choose to go for a run instead of fixing an amazing meal. But thanks to the decision to go on those runs I am a more pleasant person to be around and overall better prepared to take on life.
Well there you have it.
I am forever grateful for my running experiences. I am so thankful that I was introduced to running in elementary school and have kept at it all of these years.
If you are a runner, what has running taught you?
I am forever grateful for my running experiences. I am so thankful that I was introduced to running in elementary school and have kept at it all of these years.
If you are a runner, what has running taught you?
Great post. I also think running helps you figure out who really loves and supports you (and you feel it!) Someone who makes dinner so that you can go run, or someone who gives up their Saturday morning to cheer you on at a race, etc.
ReplyDeleteAnd I very much enjoyed knowing who is writing. Maybe do that more often?
For sure! I am also very appreciative of Eric's support. Since we first started dating he has known that this was going to be part of his life if he hung around me. At the time I was training for my marathon and would go for a run and then to class and then visit him. That's right, no shower in between.... He is a good guy. I'm glad he hung around.
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