It’s Tuesday, so we are linking up for Tuesday Thoughts with KookyRunner and Zenaida!
Please visit these lovely bloggers, plus check out some of the other blogs on the link-up, and don’t forget to share your own post, as well!
This Tuesday, we are digging deep.
I think I’ve always been a fairly decent human being and I don’t know that running (or any other recreational or physical activity) can actually make one a better person. However, running does bring out some good things in me.
I’m healthier. Running on a consistent basis means I’m moving my body. I’m burning calories, building muscles and keeping my heart strong. I was never exactly unhealthy, but I love feeling in shape and active.
I am more committed to goals. Running isn’t a short term gain. It’s about putting in the work, day after day, week after week, in pursuit of some long term goal. You simply cannot cheat the system. Undertraining is easily exposed on the road or trail. Running keeps me focused on the proverbial forest rather than the trees and I have developed the patience needed to keep my eye on the prize rather than instant gratification.
I appreciate my body. I used to despise my body. Couldn’t stand the sight of it. No matter what, that reflection in the mirror was just absolutely abhorrent to me. Running has shown me there is more to me than cellulite and stretch marks. At the end of the day, I am strong, and my solid legs can carry me for miles. These broad shoulders support me through hours of yoga practice or paddle me on a SUP or kayak. My height is generally an asset and I have learned to appreciate that, too. It’s hard to go through life unhappy with one’s appearance, but running has helped me change that.
I have opened up. I am what is called an “extroverted introvert.” I am good out and about, but I am better in my comfort zone and definitely tend towards being a homebody and needing to recharge after too much social time. Running has helped me attain a bit more balance. I am more likely to be the first person to say hello on the road, strike up a conversation with someone at the start of a race or even offer assistance if I see someone struggling. The friends I have made along the way have been so incredible!
What good qualities does running bring out in you?
Running has given me so much and made me a much better person in so many ways.
So glad to hear it has benefited you!
So good to hear that running helped you appreciate your body. And it seems like most runners are a little bit introverted. How else do we run long miles all alone. 😉
That’s the truth! I am always good to run miles on my own. I really don’t mind the solitude at all.
I totally agree with you about running helping me appreciate my body. I don’t have the typical “runners body” but I appreciate that my body is strong and can do hard things.
Thanks for linking up with us!
What’s that they say? If you run, you have a runner’s body. So that’s what I go with 🙂
Being healthier is the most important benefit. There are many faces to what a runner looks like, both big and small. I think it is one of the best activities for overall health and well being!
The Accidental Marathoner recently posted…London Marathon Recap: It’s About Time
It’s certainly one of my favorites 🙂
Having grown up as an non-athlete, running definitely has given me a new perspective. I’m still amazed that my klutzy “average” body can carry me 26.2 miles and still function quite well the following day. And, all the running friends, in real life and virtual…they are the BEST 😉
Another non-athlete over here! I share all the same sentiments and am so grateful for all that running has brought me!
I like how running has helped me make time for myself. Running is my alone time to focus and think. Sometimes I just focus.
Time for oneself is definitely quite a great thing!
You are one of a kind my friend. And a great one at that
<3
I love this! I’m totally an extroverted introvert!! And running definitely helped me to break out of more than one comfort zone. Literally by joining a running club! This led to also trying new exercises, participating in events that I wasn’t sure I would really be able to handle (RoPa Run – 4 days from Hamburg to Rotterdam as sport massage practitioner to the entire team, getting pretty much NO sleep as we made our way back to the Netherlands for charity; doing a Ragnar relay with basically 9 people I didn’t know!!), participating in new classes at the gym and committing to a season of pilates (5 months). Even doing the course for sport massage likely wouldn’t have been possible without the confidence that running has given me (because if you can run a marathon, you can pretty much do anything). Running too helps me to appreciate my body, helps me walk tall, has made me a more disciplined person. I always say “Amazing what changes when you start to run” 🙂
You have done so many incredible things! It’s so fabulous what a simple sport can bring out in us.
Running has definitely made me appreciate my body and all that it can do. I am proud to call myself a runner!
Sandra D Laflamme recently posted…Last weeks workouts
Me, too! It’s a great thing to be!
Haha I’m TOTALLY an extroverted introvert too. But running definitely gets you out there, and it’s so fun chatting with other runners!
It really is. There are so many great stories to be had on the road.
Running has taught me to be patient and to be willing to put in lots of hard work with only the potential to see the gains.
Marc Pelerin recently posted…6 Ways to Keep a Runner Healthy
Patience is absolutely a tough one. It’s helped me learn so much about that particular quality.
These are great insights. Running definitely taught me to make peace with my thighs. It’s made me better at goal setting and committing to goals.
I have such huge thighs. No matter what I lose or how much I work out, they are there. Oh well. My legs are darn strong, so it’s a good thing. 🙂
I completely agree with you. Gradually pushing my own limits while running brings a lot of confidence & makes me appreciate what my body can do. It’s also helped me in staying committed to my goal!
Holly Martin recently posted…Calf Exercises: Five of the Best Calf-Strengthening Practices for Runners