Runners are a fascinating species. They come in all shapes and sizes – not every runner is tall and lanky with giraffe legs. A runner is not someone who completes marathons weekly or can run a mile in under six minutes. A runner is simply a person who runs. Runners are average people who set aside an hour almost every day to run for the sake of running.
Runners run because they get something out of it. Running builds endurance and cardiovascular strength. It aids in weight loss and weight management. It relieves stress and improves mental health. It makes people happy (runner's high rocks).
But beyond the health benefits, runners learn important life lessons through their running. As a runner, I have learned a few lessons along the way as well.
1. Running taught me discipline.
Waking up at 6:30 a.m. to squeeze in a morning run before work sounds awful (and believe me, it can be), but, besides providing a surprising amount of energy for the morning, it has taught me discipline. I learned that losing an hour of sleep can be worth it, whether it's for a morning run or an hour of studying.
2. Running taught me balance.
Learning how to balance my running with my daily life was difficult. My friends might invite me out on a Thursday night, but if I haven't gone for my run yet, I need to make a choice. Sometimes it's okay to go out and have a good time, even if it means sacrificing your run. Life isn't just about running, or studying, or having fun, it should be a balance of all of those things.
3. Running taught me how to be comfortable with thinking.
Running long distance is physically and mentally draining, but it gives you an hour to be with your thoughts, and with few distractions beyond some music. Thinking takes time and practice.
4. Running taught me how to finish strong.
Running taught me to finish what I've started. Anyone who has finished 5K knows this feeling -- you're weak, exhausted, and every bone in your body is begging you to quit, but you sprint to the finish.
5. Running taught me self-acceptance.
Working every day at a strenuous physical activity helps with body confidence. Even if I wasn't trying to lose weight or improve my physique, running builds confidence in my abilities and leads me to being more comfortable with who I am.
Overall, running has changed my life. My advice to you? Get those sneakers on and let it change yours.
