Running - The Gift That Keeps Giving

Running has been pretty good to me.

It got me in shape (13.5 years ago). It toned up my (somewhat) soft body. It built my endurance. After a life of not considering myself an athlete, it proved otherwise.

And, it continues to keep giving to me....


First of all, running has brought me all kinds of funky, colorful running gear. Neon green, for example, is rampant among my fitness wardrobe. It's a favorite color of mine...it's bright and has a bit of a funky edge. However, it looks like you're not wearing anything in the dark. I have a favorite pair of neon green shorts, and I wear them often in the warmer months, but it's usually during daylight hours. I wore them for my first ultra (July 2015), which was an overnight race. Everything appeared fine until I made that first lap on the back side of the lake, where the lighting was pretty minimal...and it looked like I was running in the buff from the waist-down. Yep.

There they are...the shorts that magically "disappeared" without going anywhere

Running has taken me to all kinds of fun places. When the Iowa Hawkeyes played in the Rose Bowl (2016), I found a race to do while in the Pasadena area. Apparently, several other runners (who also were Hawkeye fans) had the same idea.

A bunch of Iowa Hawkeye fans showed up at a race in Huntington Beach...and I was one of them

Running has the ability to cloud my memory, much like childbirth. There are races (and, frequently, training runs) that are so excruciating, you wonder why you chose to do them and swear you'll never do them again. Then, you cross the finish line, re-hydrate, and realize it wasn't so bad. And (almost) immediately, you want to do it all over again.

The thrill of another race bib to pin on never gets old

Running has taught me to appreciate other forms of fitness. I used to be "just a runner." In other words, running was the only form of quality exercise my body would consider doing. Once I started doing (and enjoying) other stuff (strength training, stair running, and HIIT....to name a few), my entire world transformed. Running, most definitely, is my main go-to, and my legs look like those of a runner.... but it's nice to have defined muscles elsewhere on my body, too. Of course, with more distance running, my injuries have increased...but I'm better equipped to deal with them, I recover much quicker, and I have other things to occupy my time if I'm side-lined from my running shoes.

not just a runner

Running has given me a front row seat to witness the achievements of others. As much as I enjoy conquering new goals (that were once outside of my comfort zone), I get even more satisfaction in watching others do the same. Even if their goals surpass mine, it's thrilling to witness quality achievements and dole out the high-5's as they happen.

Escorting our youngest across her first-ever finish line was one of my proudest moments

Running has taught me to see the "bigger picture" on race day. It is possible to have a great race by focusing on your pace, stride, cadence and splits. It's possible, though, to have an even better race by just running it for fun, chatting with other runners, and enjoying the crowd along the course. I'm not an elite, nor will I ever be an Olympian.....there's nothing for me to gain by trying to pose as one.

It's OK to smile and act goofy on the race course

Running has taught me to enjoy and appreciate the journey. If I can't smile while I'm running or racing, then maybe I shouldn't be lacing up in the first place. Yes, there are times when I'm in pain, or I'm tired, or my head is pounding harder than my feet on the pavement. There are times when I'm just not "feeling" the run.... that's normal and is to be expected. But if I can't find something to smile about while out there, then my attitude needs a time-out. I believe there's something good to come out of every bad experience, otherwise most of us would never reach any of our goals or cross any of those finish lines. If there's something to be learned, then it's quality time well spent.

Every run is a gift

Running has showed me, time and again, that running friends are the best! There is no such thing as too many runner friends. Just when I think my running circle is complete...a new quality friend enters the scene, and it's usually someone I couldn't imagine not ever knowing. Runner friends are a rare breed, and I cherish and respect all of the ones who are a part of my tribe.

Simply the best

So, yes, I'd say running is one of the best gifts I could have given to myself. Little did I know, in the summer of 2005, that it was only the beginning.

So, talk to me.....Has running been just as generous to you? How long has it been a part of your life?

I'm linking this with Kim and Zenaida for the Tuesday Topics Link-Up

**I'm also linking this with Debbie and Rachel and Marc and Lora for the Running Coaches' Corner

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