Runners often get a bad reputation for being "full of themselves" or "show-offs" when we mention running in the slightest. Before I give reasons why these are mostly false assumptions, I will admit that some runners partially deserve this reputation. Some runners talk about their running just a little too much and get a little too competitive when talking about their latest PR with other runners. However, the majority of us do not fit this stereotype.
Contrary to popular belief, not all runners are stick thin and wear their running attire to the grocery store just so people know they ran that day.
Most of us are just normal people, all with unique stories of how we got into running and why it remains a hobby of ours.
Personally, I started running when I felt like I had nothing left to give. I was going through a rough period in many different ways, and whenever I had a free minute it felt like my brain was exploding with all of these things at once. I desperately wanted things to quiet down in my head, so I could use the minimal free time I had to genuinely relax, and maybe even begin to feel rejuvenated.
So one day, I went for a run. And I've run most days since then.
Running quickly became the only outlet that successfully quieted my mind, and I am endlessly grateful for that. Since I hadn't previously been a runner, it was hard in the beginning and that is exactly what I needed.
Being completely out of breath and unable to feel my legs at the end of a run is what distracted me from all that was going on in my head, and provided me with a fresh start to go about my day and be able to focus on what I needed to be doing. Since then, I have become smarter about my running and continue doing it even if it's not taking nearly all of the life out of my body every time.
Running gives me time to be alone with my thoughts without allowing them to take complete power over me, and that is why I do it. However, that is also why I don't talk about it very often or post about every run on social media. Of course, those that are close to me or those who live in my area know that I run, but I run for such personal reasons that it's not something I feel the need to announce to the entire world.
So next time someone mentions that they run, don't be so quick to assume that they are looking down on you for not being a runner, or are secretly patting themselves on the back knowing that they could beat you in a long distance race.
Running can be so much more than losing weight or competing with others. To each their own.
