I've been a runner for over 10 years. There are days I love running and days I wonder why I keep at it. Being on middle school, high school, and college cross country teams made me a better runner. It also taught me a lot about being an athlete. I learned life lessons from putting one foot in front of the other, both with a team and from running on my own. While I love the sport in general, I also love how much I have gained from running. Here are what I consider to be the top lessons 10 I learned from this amazing sport.
1. You can stay fit and have fun.
Exercise is often associated with being tiresome and hard. While some workouts are this way, it is possible to exercise and have fun. I have found some of the best runs are where I am smiling and thoroughly enjoying myself. For me, running is my exercise of choice. Find the exercise that you find fun and enjoyable, and exercise will be so much easier!
2. Nature is beautiful.
Running taught me to appreciate my surroundings. So often I am rushing to class or work, and I don't take time to notice the sky or the trees. When I am running through the woods, all I can think about is how beautiful the world is. Waking up to run and see the sunrise is always worth it! Running allows me to spend time in nature and fully appreciate its beauty.
3. Sometimes you have to do things you don't want to.
This is a tough lesson. It is tempting to take the easy way out or to skip the things in life that aren't pleasant. With running, something I don't want to do is run on the treadmill. But when it is a cold Minnesota day of -10 degrees, I know running outside isn't an option. As much as I would like to skip my run, I know it is good for me and that I need to stick to my training. So I get my butt on that treadmill and suck it up!
4. Even when things get tough, keep going.
There are runs that are hard to finish, just like days in life. But if we give up, we would miss out on so much! Every run helps you get better, just like every little thing in life adds up. It's important to give everything your all and to try your best. In running, long runs or workouts can be tough, but they pay off!
5. Sprint at the finish.
This relates to giving something your all. My high school track coach would always tell me to "leave it on the track!" This means to finish strong. Don't end something just to end it, but end it in a way to be proud of, whether it be a paper, project, or workout.
6. Sometimes you need a buddy.
Friends are important. So are running partners! As nice as it is to run alone, sometimes you need someone to push you along. This goes for every activity in life. We humans need companions.
7. Practice is important.
You can't just run a marathon without practicing. Well, you could, but if you practiced, your time would be way better. In order to accomplish something, you have to be dedicated and put effort into it. It's so cool to be able to look back and see just how far you have come.
8. There are good days and bad days.
Some runs are awesome, and some runs are hard. It doesn't always matter on the distance. I've had awesome 10-mile runs, and I've had crappy three-mile runs. The important thing is to remember the good runs and good days and to know that is why you keep going. Bad days are nothing compared to good days!
9. You're stronger than you think.
We often set goals that are too low. I've learned that I can go faster than I thought I would. In life we are capable of so much more than we think we are. We don't always trust ourselves, but we are so strong and capable! Don't underestimate yourself.
10. Take care of yourself.
Set high goals, but know when to call it a day. It is important to know when you need to rest. While it is important to work hard, we only get one body, and we need to take care of it. In running, this is knowing when to ice or take a day off. No matter the sport or activity, taking care of yourself is an essential!
Running may not be for everybody, but I have learned so many important life lessons from it, ones that I will take with me wherever I go. Running is something that I hope to continue doing and learning from until I am no longer able to run. Why, you ask? Because I love it! And when you find something you love, you stick to it. And because with your passion, comes endless joy, lessons, and memories.
