We are runners, and runners run.
We have the gear, and we have the gadgets. We even have our own special day, Global Running Day!
Since its inception in 2009 (when it was first called National Running Day), this special day is celebrated, annually, on the first Wednesday of June. In 2016, its name was officially changed to Global Running Day (source).
Shall we celebrate, on Wednesday (June 1st)? I'm game, are you?
Here are a few suggestions to commemorate the occasion:
Run in the morning. One of the many benefits to running first thing in the morning is that you get it over and done with, and don't have to worry about being too tired later. It's a great time to plan out your day while listening to all the sounds of nature coming to life. And, let's not forget that sunrise!
Run in the evening. I don't run in the evening very often these days, but there's a beautiful tranquility about it. The sound of the insects buzzing is actually quite calming. It's also an efficient way to rehash the day before hitting the pillow.
Go alone. I have drafted many a blog post while pounding the pavement, and I have psychoanalyzed many a problem. It's amazing what kind of conversations one can have with oneself when it's just you and the open road or trail.
Run with a friend. Most of us have run with friends before, and most of us love doing so. With respect to social distancing, it is possible to run with a friend (or friends) if you're careful to keep your distance from each other.
Run a virtual race. This can be done on your own, or virtually with a group of runner friends. Don't forget, many virtual races support worthwhile causes and charities, so that's a win-win for everyone.
Mix up your routine. Run just one mile (maybe you're a streaker?). Check out some hills. Do a speed workout. Hit up the track. Run your regular route in reverse. The possibilities are endless.
Run without your Garmin. I know it may sound ridiculous, but it is possible to go for a run with no technology to record the experience. Myself? I much prefer to run just for the joy of running. I don't need to know the exact distance or pace (unless I'm doing a time-based workout or running an unfamiliar route and need specifics on distance).
Run in prayer. Not everyone is spiritual, and I respect that. For the runners who are, though, dedicating your miles to those in need is a pretty unselfish gesture.
In other words, just run! It doesn't get much simpler than that!
Do you have any plans for Global Running Day? Have you participated in years past?
By the way...are you following me on social media? You can find me at these various platforms:
I haven't run without my Garmin in ages! I'm inolved in one of those virtual team challenges on Strava which "forces" me to record all my runs.
ReplyDeleteIt would be nice to run without a Garmin now and then. Maybe I should do that tomorrow on Global Running Day!
Thanks for the reminder, Kim!
Give it a go! As long as you know your distance, you'll at least have an idea of your pace after you finish ;-) It's quite liberating!
DeleteI have not run since I left for my trip! I won't miss Global running day though ( a few hours ahead of you for once LOL) Have a great run day
ReplyDeleteHa ha! I'll look forward to hearing all about your run. You'll have a great location ;-)
DeleteAlright...I normally don't run on Global Running Day b/c it's a Wednesday which is a normal rest day for me. But you've just given me the idea of doing a one mile run with no Garmin as a tribute. Stay tuned!
ReplyDeleteWoot!!!!! I can't wait to hear how it goes!! ;-)
DeleteOoh! A special day just for us : ) I will definitely be running tomorrow! You guys are giving me the idea of doing a virtual 5k instead of the speedwork I had planned (a 5k counts as speedwork, right?) But any run will be awesome
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, a 5K is speedwork!
DeleteSo many great ideas on how to celebrate Global Running Day! i know so many runners that run in prayer. I've never done a full run in prayer but I will try it one day.
ReplyDeleteRunning in prayer actually is very fulfilling. It's nice to focus on others and their needs, as opposed to all the stuff in my life.
DeleteI have my training run scheduled for the morning but I may hit up a group run to celebrate as well!
ReplyDeleteOoh, double the fun!
DeleteThese are all really great suggestions, Kim, and there's something there for everyone!
ReplyDeleteI've been trying to encourage a few non-running friends to just "give it a 1-mile try." We shall see. I was a skeptic, myself, until I got bit by the running bug...
DeleteI'll be running tomorrow! Not sure of my plan since its supposed to be really hot, but I may do a virtual 5k.
ReplyDeleteWe have warm temps, but not unbearable. I'll be #5at5'ing, anyways, so the heat won't be much of an issue. Last year, we had rain (and thunder storms) in the morning, so Barb and I, postponed our GRD run until the lunch hour...and it was a cooker, LOL.
DeleteI'm running tomorrow and may leave the Garmin at home - it's been a while since I've run naked ;)
ReplyDeleteWoot!!!! Go for it, Michelle! It's liberating, and empowering to leave the technology at home ;-)
DeleteYou've listed many great ideas for "getting your run on". Even though I'm giving my back a rest, I'm going to run tomorrow evening even if it's just a short distance so I can say I ran on Global Running Day. :-)
ReplyDeleteAtta girl ;-) It would be tough to let the day go by without a run, even if one's body wasn't feeling up to the task. I hope it goes well for you <3
DeleteI never run without my Garmin. :-) I record every mile. I do like to sometimes run for fun (easy runs). Running may not be for everyone but it isn't always competitive. The key is to enjoy it whether solo or with a group.
ReplyDelete