Running Means So Much To Me, But What I Appreciate Most Is What Running Has Taught Me

Running means so much to me, but what I appreciate most out of everything is what running has taught me.

Patience– You can only finish a race as fast as you can run it.  Running also helps me with patience in daily life though.  You can enjoy it so much more if you aren’t rushing constantly, take a look around every now and than. (Goes for both running and life).

Endurance– Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would run a marathon, let alone lots…voluntarily.  In distance running you can’t burn out the first couple miles.  Find your pace and stick to it.  Run your own pace in life too.

Sanity– Running is my therapy.  When I am feeling defeated as a mom, stressed, or even upset, a run can always help me sort through my thoughts and clear my head.

Perseverance– Sometimes you are hot, cold, tired or sore, but you just keep putting one foot in front of another until you reach the finish line.

Self Respect– I learned that it is ok to be proud of yourself and treat yourself well.  There is a difference between self respect and gloating.

Grit– “Courage and resolve; strength of character.”  Running has taught me to step out of my comfort zone and aim bigger.

Humor– Tripping over a road reflector, sprinting because you turned the treadmill up to fast, choking on water because you drink while running instead of slowing down, these are all things that are better just to laugh at.  Sometimes I can be clumsy, but it is better to laugh than beat yourself up over it.

Kindness– Runners, as a group, are some of the kindest people.  They are help encourage each other, offer assistance, offer water, or even just smile as you pass each other.  Why can’t everyone in life be like this?

Appreciation– I don’t take running for granted.  I appreciate every run I get.  I also appreciate so much more in my life now as well, like the great food I can get anytime I want, the health of my family and the weather where I live!

Strength– I am stronger than I ever thought I was and this is truly a gift that only running could’ve given me.