Because Sometimes I Need a Reminder

Running isn’t always easy.

 

Wait- did you know that already? Is this not news at all? Something everyone already knows?

 

Well. There goes what I was going to talk about today.

 

Hmm.

 

Whatever. I’ve got nothing else. Humor me for a bit, mmmk?

 

Running isn’t always easy. It can take a lot of time. It can hurt. It can be exhausting. It can make you doubt yourself. It can make you wish you were anywhere else other than on this stupid lakefront path or treadmill for the millionth time. It can make you want to quit.

 

It does all this. Over and over and over again.

 So what’s my reason to do this again…?

 

It’s my therapy. My time to myself. To think of whatever I want. Or nothing at all.

 

It continues to teach me discipline. When signing up for a long race, I am not only signing up 2 hours of my life on race day. I’m signing up 3 months of waking up early to beat the summer heat. Getting up early to cross and strength train to avoid injury. I’m spending 3 months making sure I get enough sleep on the weekend to get in my long run. Not having that last glass of wine to make sure I’ll hit that last necessary mile (ahem…). Going for salad instead of french fries as a side so I won’t feel like crap during the next day’s workout.

 

Sure, there’s room to bend the rules from time to time. But the end goal is always there.

 

Running has taught me I am capable. Three years ago, my first 5k was a REALLY big deal. And yes, 3.1 miles is a long way. But before that, I never imagined running much further. My first half marathon was a result of a bar bet made after too much liquid courage. While still recovering from an injury. One of the most idiotic but best decisions I’ve ever made.

 

Turns out, most of my big life decisions can be classified as such.

 

*Please note the big life decisions should be considered “a little crazy”, not always made ”under the influence”.

 

Running continues to strengthen relationships and bring great people into my life. It’s been a bonding activity for me with cousins and friends as we do races together. I’m always excited to have my parents come spend a weekend and cheer me on. And on top of that, the Chicago running community is massive. As is the blogger running community. Which is nice. I like having conversations about pace times and races. Or which toenail just fell off. Or the weird tan line from my sports bra.

 

Running keeps me healthy. I like my chocolate, and yes, this helps to counteract decisions my sweet tooth made for me. But it also encourages me to eat better as a proactive choice. Not because I have to, but because I want to. And besides, have you ever had wings and beer before hitting the road for a few miles? It’s not pretty.

 

Not at all. Seriously. Don’t do it.

 

Running makes me feel accomplished. Seeing a big number on the treadmill or finishing up a run along the lakefront? It… kicks ass. And the boost in confidence is a pretty good way to start a day.

 

So yes. There are days when it sucks. When it really sucks. Like… a lot. But there is never a day, even the crappy days, that doesn’t pay off.

 If you’re not into running, that’s fine. Just try to find something. Something that you don’t mind getting up an extra 20 minutes for. Or taking 20 minutes after work. Something that motivates you. Something that makes you feel good. And maybe, just maybe, something that makes you seem a little bit crazy.

 

Because normal is boring.

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