What Running Has Taught Me About Life

Running has taught me some amazing things about life. Running is good for the body, the mind, and the soul. When I started my running journey, I never dreamed it would teach me so much more than how to stay fit.

–They can’t all be good days

I have a lot of good runs, but I also have a lot of really crappy ones. The bad ones make me appreciate the great ones. The same is true of life. We can’t all have good days every day or mountaintop experiences all the time. Make sure you take the time to stop and appreciate the good ones when they come, and know how to properly handle the bad ones.

–Hard work pays off

Running is hard. You aren’t going to be an overnight success. If you want to be better, you have to train harder. Life is hard. If you want to advance in your career, make friends, pick up a new hobby, you have to put in the effort if you want results. Easier said than done, I know!

–No matter what just keep putting one foot in front of the other

I always think of the movie Finding Nemo, when Dory sings the “Just Keep Swimming” song. I have sang this song to myself many times during races! There are days when I don’t even want to face all the tasks I have to do that day. But just like in running, I can get somewhere if I just put one foot in front of the other. When the big picture is overwhelming, just take it one step, one day, at a time.

–Don’t compare yourself with anyone but yourself, because there will always be someone better than you

This is a huge thing for me in running, blogging, and in life. In our society there is such a push to have the next best thing your friends or neighbors have. We rarely seem to be content in our own gifts and abilities, toys and careers. I race against myself, and in life, I try to be thankful and content, and not envious or jealous (in a bad way).

–Sometimes there will be heartache and pain as you chase your dreams

Dreams and goals are wonderful to have, but we were never promised life would be easy. But usually, the hardest things to get through or to, are the ones worth fighting for. Run hard and fight to reach your goals as an athlete. Fight hard and push through the pains of life as you chase your dreams.

–Appreciate the talents and abilities I have been given, I am truly blessed

I may not be the fastest runner out there (ok, I KNOW I’m not!) But I am so blessed that I can get out of bed every morning and even go for a run. Or drive myself places, or talk to my family. Don’t take your talents for granted, and take some time to think about all the things you are grateful for.

–Never. Give. Up. You can do anything you set your mind to.

This one speaks for itself. Never in a millions years would I have dreamed I would be chosen by Women’s Magazine as a “Blogger on the Run”. I am humbled, and so proud of myself. I have stretched and grown, and been given some amazing opportunities I never would have gotten if I had not learned some amazing life lessons from running. It truly is a wonderful teacher.

Please do me a huge favor and go over to the blog and check out my feature as blogger on the run!There is something in it for you, too! To celebrate the magazine’s 50th issue, they are giving away some great prizes, so you can comment on my feature/post and be entered to win an entire outfit from Asics! Sweet!

A huge thank you to Women’s Running Magazine for this great honor!!

QOTD: What has running taught you about life?