For some, running can be bliss. A state of being where the body and mind feel complete unity. A place where you can get away from the world and learn more about yourself than you ever dreamed possible. For others, running is hell. Its a stressful and painful taxation on the body that leaves its victim unbelievably sore and exhausted. In my opinion, running is never completely one or the other. Running is a relationship. You have to work at it everyday. Even when you're tired. Even when you don't want to. Because you know in the end, the two of you were destined to be together forever.
Run With Friends:
One simply way to keep your running life happy is to run with friends. Save typical coffee house gossip for the trails and spend your afternoon chatting about if Stacy really did hook up with that cute guy from the bar last weekend instead of how bad your legs hurt. Also, long runs serve as the perfect problem solver setting. By keeping your mind off the run itself and focusing on the conversation, those grueling miles will fly by.
Run With A Purpose:
Wether you're trying to win the 2016 Olympic Gold, get back into shape, or just lose those last two pounds, setting a goal can motivate you into running more often. The simple science being that the more you run, the more you are bound to enjoy it. Also, as kind of a tip within a tip, writing your goal down in big letters somewhere you'll see it everyday, like on a mirror or your bedroom door, will remind you to stay strong on your mission. I know it sounds super cheesy, but it works.
Run Somewhere Fun:
Sometimes the journey can be better than the destination. Rather than focusing on getting to the end of your run, enjoy your time spent with Mother Nature. Scout out some local trails in your town, take the scenic route and get lost in the wilderness. Exploring new places and discovering beautiful views allows you to fully appreciate your time running.
Dress Your Best:
Running requires a tremendous amount of mental strength. Begin every run with positive reinforcement both verbally and fashionably. If you can rock those half tie-dye half polka dot Norts then by God, rock the hell out of them. Moral of the story: Look Good, Feel Good, Run Good. (Run Well* for those grammar nuts.)
Most Importantly, Run For Yourself And For Those You Love:
To find a reason to run is the hardest part of the run itself. If you ever reach the point in running where you ask yourself: "Why am I doing this?" or "Why in the world would anyone ever want to do this for fun?", just remember all of those who care about you and support your running lifestyle. Run for you and run for them, that's all you need.
"Running, one might say, is basically an absurd past-time upon which to be exhausting ourselves. But if you can find meaning, in the kind of running you have to do to stay on this team, chances are you will be able to find meaning in another absurd past-time: Life." - Bill Bowerman, Without Limits
