10 Things Running Has Taught Me

by: Anna K., SparkleSkirts Guest Blogger, Gracious Warrior Princess Blogger

I’m a runner. I’ve identified myself this way for 3 years now. In 2016 I take on a new identity: marathon runner. 26.2 miles—I am terrified. My running friends tell me if I can run a half, I can run a full marathon. So why am I still frightened? The distance and training time involved worry me. To stay motivated and remind myself why I am tackling this goal, I am focusing on what running has taught me.

Maybe you’ve learned some of these lessons too, or have your own. I’d love to hear about your running journey in the comments below.

10 Things Running Has Taught Me

1. Embrace early mornings. Since I work full-time, morning is the best and sometimes only time for me to run. Running in the morning energizes me and helps me prepare for the day. Ultimately, it's about identifying the best time of day for your schedule, a time when interruptions won’t detour your running practice.

2. Listen to your body. Many times my body needs to be challenged, so I push it forward. I normally feel great after a run like this. However, there is a time to tell your body to shut up and keep moving, but there is a time to heed your body’s request for rest or a less intense training.

3. Be open to learning. Routines help me stay on track. Mistakes help me improve. Kindness to others and myself help lessen the sting of hard days. Expecting improvement, not perfection leaves me with a sense of accomplishment. I can do this! (So can YOU!)

4. Running is honest. Running fills me with adrenaline and raw emotions. Sometimes I feel spectacular, other times I do not. Cherish the highs and remember the lows are temporary.

5. It’s in your head. Running is 90 percent mental. My mantra is: Mind leads, body follows. Whenever I tire during a run, I say this—sometimes out loud—and it helps get me through.

6. Accountability is key. True training partners motivate and hold you accountable, plus they’re good company. But if you’re not ready for that level of commitment, it may strain your friendship because they will know if you don’t train.

7. Nutrition and hydration are essential. Getting the right nutrition and staying hydrated are incredibly important, but can be difficult. I’m still working on this one! To keep me on track I use The Runner’s World Cookbook and Runner’s World Meals on the Run.

8. Training does not mean you will lose weight. I learned this the hard way. Your body will begin to build muscle and burn fat, but you must be aware high density muscle tissues weighs more than low density fat tissue. I was two YEARS into running before I saw any weight loss, which is why I started running in the first place! Though it was slow to come, I finally lost inches and weight. I feel incredible! You have to keep going, eventually you reach your weight loss goal.

9. It doesn’t get easier, you get better. I remember when I couldn’t even run a mile. Now I run 13.1 miles without a second thought. Sometimes I remember that beginner runner and the struggle. Sometimes it still feels like a struggle, especially as I add another 13.1 miles to my longest run so far. The difference is now I know I can do it!

10. I am an athlete. This surprised me. I was never athletic and hate anything physical. I’m a “girly girl,” but I adore running! I love how I feel when my feet hit the ground, the sights and sounds during a run, and the feeling of accomplishment after a run. I enjoy seeing my running friends after a race, congratulating each other with sweaty hugs and tears. I especially love the medals. I still struggle with running self-esteem, but I’m finally believe it: I am an athlete!