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).
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 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:
Very true, Kim! It's a good thing we can switch up running the way it suits us best. I like to run around lunch time - I'm just not disciplined enough to run early in the morning, ha!
ReplyDeleteI should learn to run without my Garmin one day... I think it will feel like running naked!
Last year, I think it rained in the morning, but cleared off shortly after I got to work. So, Barb and I ran our #5at5 route over lunch. I don't mind a lunchtime run, I just have to get back to work, so I usually can't go very far because I'll need time to "freshen up" afterwards LOL
DeleteI've never tried to run in prayer but that sounds like something new I can try to do this month. I have a friend that dedicated each mile of her half marathon to praying for a different friend or family member and I've always thought that was such an amazing way to do a race.
ReplyDeleteI've heard of people doing that for marathons, too. I never think of it until after I'm in mile five or six of the actual race, though LOL
DeleteYou'll be proud of me...today I ran in the MORNING!! LOL! I prefer afternoon/evening runs, but I love that I'm done, my head is clear and have the whole day to do other things! Yay for Global Running Day and I'm really hoping to see many runners out tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteYay!! The mornings aren't so bad, are they? They work best for my schedule, but I honestly enjoy running any time of the day (or night).
DeleteI've always run on this day and I will again. I also may hike with a friend.
ReplyDeleteThanks for keeping me motivated.
Enjoy your run tomorrow!! It's going to be fun seeing all the pics on social media ;-)
DeleteYes, just run... doesn't matter how fast or slow, how far or if it's your first day... jus run!
ReplyDeleteExactly! Just lace up and go!!
DeleteI have also figured out many a problem or dilemma on a run. Perfect day for it! Have a good one
ReplyDeleteWill I See You Out There? (I just can't get that phrase out of my head LOL)
DeleteIts all about just getting out for the run! There are so many benefits and so many ways to do it. Hope you have a good run to celebrate tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteThere are so many ways to enjoy running ;-) That's the true beauty of it!
DeleteHow can we not run on GRD?! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Mother N will cooperate - she's been so fickle lately ;)
ReplyDeleteShe's actually cutting us a break this week (well, it's going to be warm, so at least I'm happy LOL). And, there's no rain in the forecast ;-)
DeleteI celebrated GRD today! Yay! I ran a nice easy 5 miles. Although it really wasn't that easy... ;)
ReplyDeleteWe have summer weather in the forecast all week, so my five miles (this morning) felt fabulous because I was so happy to NOT have wind or cold temps LOL
DeleteLove this post- so many ways to enjoy running. But you left out my favorite- pool running! JUST KIDDING! I did run in the pool today and that will have to count for my GRD run this year.
ReplyDeleteSorry, pool running was not on my radar LOL I do think it's definitely a legit form of running, just not ideal. Just keep on keeping on ;-)
DeleteHappy Global Running Day! I can't wait to get out for my run today to celebrate! Have a great day!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your run! ;-)
DeleteThere’s really so many ways to get a run in. No excuses! Enjoy “our” day!
ReplyDeleteExactly, there are NO excuses ;-) I hope you have a great day as well...are you running with Luna?
DeleteI wouldn't run just because it's Global Running Day. It just so happens I was doing a recovery run that day though. :)
ReplyDeleteI think no matter how you run, it can be amazing. How lucky are we?
ReplyDeleteI remember from back in the day, how during a jog was indeed such a good time to think things through and focus on resolving an issue.
ReplyDeleteI was not aware of Global Running Day but I am glad I've accidentally honored it by going out for a 1 mile jog & walk yesterday.
I don't think I can run without my Garmin. I know, I know that the point of it is to run without focusing on the numbers on the watch. I just can't. :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you for linking up with us!
Yes to all of this! Well, except virtual racing. I'm pretty much done with those now that real racing is coming back. As for running at night, I don't except when I do a relay race and then it's my favorite thing to do. And yes, I went for a run on "our" day.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy Global Running Day (thanks for sharing the history on the name change!). I always love finding new routes to explore and have been really enjoying running with friends again!
ReplyDeleteI always appreciate the proximity of Global Running Day and National Donut day!
ReplyDelete