I started running in July 2006 as I was finishing my graduate degree. With all the studying I had been doing, I knew I would need some kind of “hobby” to fill my time. The thought of more education was appealing to me but I needed a break from school. So I started a couch to 5K program. You can read the rest of my running journey here and here but the short version is that I went from a running novice to running long distances and loving it. While the physical benefits of running are amazing, I have realized that running has brought so much more to my life than a healthy heart and muscular legs. Here are some of the non-physical things that running has given me:
1. Confidence. I had never been a very confident person. Like many women, I have lots of insecurities. But crossing the finish line of my first half marathon was life-changing. I won’t say that it gave me the confidence to successfully tackle any challenge that came my way, but I knew that if I was capable of doing anything that I set my mind to and took the time to prepare and work toward. After doing a few more half marathons with better training and seeing my times go down, my confidence grew. I should also point out that my times were pretty slow at this point. But that didn’t matter at all to me. I wasn’t competing against the other runners; I was competing against myself. And I am winning. While I’ll never win a race, that’s not what it’s about for me.
2. Anything can be solved on a run. My life is busy. I’m sure you can relate to this. Some days I just don’t have time to think about anything. But much like yoga is to some people, running is my time to center myself and clear my head. What I began to notice was that I was thinking more creatively, planning for the future, and really clarifying my thoughts about different things. This was a very profound change in my life – and a very welcome one. I became more focused and driven and got things done more efficiently and effectively than I ever had before.
3. Life is full of ups and downs but they always pass. No matter how well I train for a marathon, it is always tough. Part of the time I feel like this is the greatest thing ever and other times I want to give up because it’s too hard. These feelings come and go all throughout a race for me. A few miles in and I think I can take on the world and another mile in I question what the %#*& I was thinking to intentionally do this to myself. Just as the positive feelings turn in to negative thoughts, the negative thoughts turn back into positive feelings. Much like life, I just keep going and it eventually gets better.
4. “Me” time makes me a better person. I spend a lot of time running but that’s not necessary to get the benefits of “me” time. And “me” time doesn’t have to come in the form of running. Sometimes I run alone and it’s the time that I need as an introvert to recharge my batteries. I do my long runs with a small group of women who have become some of my best friends. Over a couple of years and many, many miles, we’ve gotten to the point that we can tell each other anything or say nothing and it’s all good. It’s hard to make true friendships as an adult but I have been able to connect with women that are like me in so many ways. And my life is better as a result. This time alone and with friends makes me a better wife, mother, employee and person.
Has an activity or hobby ever changed your life in any way? I’d love to hear about it!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
October 17, 2014 at 5:15 amI feel the same way about working out, just not running. I am like this with zumba.
Gingermommy (@Gingermommy) says
October 17, 2014 at 10:48 amIt is great to hear this. I have started walking nightly and feel the same
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Liz Mays says
October 17, 2014 at 11:31 amI can totally see how this would help keep you centered and give you time to think things through. I’m so glad it works that way!
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becca says
October 17, 2014 at 12:11 pmi feel the same way about my morning walks. I love them.
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Pam says
October 17, 2014 at 1:51 pmMe time is definitely important for everyone. Being nice to yourself and doing something enjoy can turn around your mood, and make your whole day better! I like to take evening walks after dinner to clear my mind.
becky says
October 17, 2014 at 6:19 pmgreat post and i agree! i feel the same way about exercise. 🙂
Lois Alter Mark says
October 17, 2014 at 6:33 pmI feel like that about tennis. I really miss the days I don’t get to play. I wish I liked to run but that’s just not going to happen!
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Kristen from The Road to Domestication says
October 17, 2014 at 7:31 pmMe time makes me a better person, too! I like that one, but these are all good points!
Pam says
October 18, 2014 at 8:39 amI know what you mean and I need to figure out how to get back to that. I was walking 5 miles a day until an injury and then I got into a rut after it healed. I never felt better than when I was walking than many miles. I need to get back to that but maybe just do 3 or 4 miles and monitor myself so I don’t have the stress and strain on some of my body parts .
celebbabylaundry says
October 18, 2014 at 1:08 pmGetting into any form of exercise can do wonders for a person
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Chrystal @ YUM eating says
October 18, 2014 at 2:30 pmI miss running. I had started Weight Watchers around 2002 and made it to Lifetime. I started walking and lost all my weight through walking later moved up to running. Some time later degenerative disc and depression set it. Now I’m heavier and even the impact of walking causes me a lot of pain. I keep trying to get through it. I missing running , even on the slower jog days and would love to get back to that.
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Annie says
October 18, 2014 at 3:30 pmI feel this way with any type of exercise whether it be running, playing badminton, or working out. Now I miss playing badminton!
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Lara says
October 18, 2014 at 7:07 pmRunning is my therapy time. 😉 I am battling an injury right now, dealing with a stressful work environment and starting a new business so I am trying to get in short runs for me.
I am not fast but that doesn’t matter. I finish for myself.
Tough Cookie Mommy says
October 18, 2014 at 8:27 pmLife is definitely full of ups and downs. It’s important to keep in mind that “this too, shall pass.”
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Rosey says
October 18, 2014 at 8:37 pmI think the me time of running is nice too. I run on the treadmill, but it’s a ‘me time’ still that i appreciate.
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amanda mcmahon says
October 19, 2014 at 5:52 amYou’re right – life is full of ups and downs. I’m glad you have been able to find this!
Ashley Gill says
October 20, 2014 at 7:17 amWhen I look at an activity that has changed my life, I have to say running is it for me as well. I started the c25k program and it helped me shed some major weight last year. I’ve had a very stressful summer and couldn’t fit in my runs. I am now a cranky Momma. Last week I started the program again and I’m hoping to see the same results. Most weight off this body and a happy momma!
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