• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • about
  • Pug Partners
  • contact/pr
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Runs With Pugs

ok, the pugs don't run, but we do

  • race reports
  • Travel
  • Recipes
  • Link Ups
  • instagram Landing Page

The Latest

my spring race plans

a week of exploring new things

5 fitness superstitions

You are here: Home / Uncategorized / how running saves my sanity

how running saves my sanity

February 22, 2023      11 Comments

In the midst of all my personal chaos, I can be sure of one thing: running saves my sanity. It is a coping mechanism for which I am eternally grateful, because it helps me get through some of the more difficult days. How? I’d love to tell you.

Running Gives Me Time To Process

I’m a person who really likes to be alone with myself and my thoughts, so when times are tough, running allows me the time and space to process. It’s even better when I can choose a location that lends itself to solitude.

Running Allows Me To Disconnect

While I do take my phone on my runs, I am pretty disconnected. This gives me the ability to focus on myself and the moment, rather than getting distracted by other things. It’s easy to allow outside influences to help push off dealing with problems, but when I disconnect, I get the clarity I need.

Running Helps Me Take Care Of Myself

When things go sideways, running is the non-negotiable that helps keep ME well. I confess I’m not always the best at taking care of myself, so when I run, I get out in the fresh air and pump my heart rate. This is one of the best things I can do for myself when times are tough.

Running Helps Me Change My Focus

When I’m running, I don’t have to think about the tough times as much. Instead, I can turn my focus to running a race, or working on my form or pace. Running allows me to be somewhere else, which is helpful on the hardest days.

Running Is Something Just For Me

Caretakers and those going through trauma and other difficult situations often find themselves consumed with their current state of affairs. Running is one of those things that can be just for you. Personally, I cherish those small gifts, and it helps me get through the obstacles ahead.

Does running save your sanity?

*** Running is great, but it’s not a replacement for therapy or mental healthcare. If you are having a hard time or struggling, please reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance. ***

Join the Runner’s Roundup!

Link up each week to post your favorite running tips, experiences, race and training recaps, workouts, gear, and coaching ideas. Join your hosts Coach Debbie Runs, Confessions of a Mother Runner, Mile by Mile, and Runs with Pugs, each week for the Runners’ Roundup linkup! Your link must be running related. Unrelated links will be removed. You must link back to your hosts — it’s common courtesy and a lot more fun! Spread the link-up love by visiting at least two other #running bloggers! Leave a comment and find new blogs to read! Use hashtags #running and #RunnersRoundup to stay in touch and promote your content!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lisa @ Mile by Mile says

    February 22, 2023 at 9:40 am

    I definitely agree! Running gives me time to process whatever is on my mind. I like having that alone time to just think or zone out!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 23, 2023 at 7:39 pm

      I love having that alone time. Love.

      Reply
  2. Catrina says

    February 22, 2023 at 11:50 am

    I love how you can express so well how I feel about running. Right now, things are a bit chaotic with my parents visiting, and I’m glad for my runs. They’re very short, as I’m still coming back from injury, but they help!

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 23, 2023 at 7:38 pm

      I’m here for you! And you’ll be back, I have no doubt!

      Reply
  3. Deborah Brooks says

    February 22, 2023 at 1:19 pm

    Running does give me much needed time to decompress while at the same time rev me up. I am lucky to have a group to run with and we feel like it’s group therapy sometimes in a good way

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 23, 2023 at 7:38 pm

      It’s just so great to have that outlet.

      Reply
  4. Darlene S Cardillo says

    February 22, 2023 at 8:46 pm

    Yes running really helps…
    the problem is that if you depend on it too much, what do you do when you can’t run??

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 23, 2023 at 7:37 pm

      Excellent question.

      Reply
  5. Jenny says

    February 23, 2023 at 6:20 pm

    Yes to all of this. I also really need my alone time, and I especially love running on trails so I can REALLY be alone. And like you, I bring my phone along but that’s really just for photos- I don’t look at texts or calls while I’m out there.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      February 23, 2023 at 7:36 pm

      I get a little nervous on trails by myself, but the roads alone are just fine.

      I do sometimes answer texts if i’m out, and I’ll talk to my mother when I walk, because it’s when I have time to focus on her.

      Reply
  6. Debbie says

    February 23, 2023 at 10:22 pm

    All of this! Running is definitely my ME time and I need and cherish that.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

well, hello there…

bio
Welcome to Runs With Pugs. My name is Jenn and this is the story of my love affair with running and finding myself through fitness. From C25K to marathon, from triathlon to SUP, from broken leg to the recovery journey... I'm sharing it all. I'm a wife and mother of one, living in NE Florida, in love with travel, adventure, and food. Oh. We have pugs and a hedgehog, too. Thank you for joining us! We're glad to have you along for the ride!
Follow on Bloglovin


Save 25% on your ROADiD order here

Pinterest

find what you’re looking for

recently

  • my spring race plans
  • a week of exploring new things
  • 5 fitness superstitions
  • race report: raptor run 3k
  • my visit to the local stretch zone

Facebook Likes

archives

Footer

disclaimer

I am not a doctor or medical professional, nor do I play one on the internet. This blog reflects my personal experiences on my own fitness and running journey, and the processes that work for me. Before you begin any exercise regiment, please consult your physician.
Sometimes, the weather is too beautiful not to run Sometimes, the weather is too beautiful not to run.

I worked through some cardio under the blue skies and in the fresh air and then came home to @runsmartofficial’s base building boot camp. 

There was A LOT of focus on balance and feet and ankles, as well as ground work in the form of different planks and push-ups. 

The movements were small but effective and my legs are certainly burning! It’s going to get harder as we go, but I’m excited to spend more time on my stability and form, to see if it makes me stronger and more efficient over time.

What was on your workout calendar today?

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
This morning, I started on a new training plan wit This morning, I started on a new training plan with @runsmartofficial. I have a goal race in May, so I am going to see if I can make some improvements along the way.

I can admit that I am built more for distance than speed, but I am taking a crack and improving my pace over the next ten weeks. Keep your fingers crossed 🤞🏻!

Anyone else starting a new training plan and cycle?

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Was alpaca 🦙 yoga postponed due to weather? Yes Was alpaca 🦙 yoga postponed due to weather? Yes.

Did I get over it and take myself on a walk instead? Yes.

Did my @getsprints pickle visor lead to a cool surprise? Also yes!

Are you running or racing today? Tell me about it!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you all! We were luck Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you all! We were lucky to have cool weather and blue skies for our run.

Planning on an untraditional celebration with some plans around town, but thinking I can snag a green beer along the way!

How are you enjoying this Friday?

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
And here we are. Back in the 30s. Can the weather And here we are. Back in the 30s. Can the weather make up her mind already?

Anyone else have whiplash from the back and forth of temps and conditions? Sheesh!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Have you ever raced a Raptor? I did and while the Have you ever raced a Raptor? I did and while the Raptor beat me, I had a blast the whole way!

Congratulations to the @staugalligatorfarm for another fantastic event. It was a beautiful morning, with lots of enthusiastic runners and walkers, and we were so happy to be there. 

A portion of proceeds went to benefit Orianne Center for Indigo Snake Conservation (OCIC) and AZA Saving Animals From Extinction (SAFE), partnering to celebrate Eastern indigo snakes, which makes the race even more important.

Come take a peek at how the morning went and head over to the blog to read more about it! (Link in bio) https://runswithpugs.com/2023/03/15/race-report-raptor-run-3k/

#raptorrun #running #injuryRecovery #RunChat #Training #FitMom #RunnerMom #FitnessBlogger #RunnersOfInstagram #RunningBlogger #SRTT #FitAfter40 #WomensRunningCommunity #RunningCommunity #GoalDigger #HoneyStingerHive #TeamRoadID #GoodrFlamboyance #ShareTheSpark #SkirtSports #MomentumJewelry #BalegaImpi #LeagueOfgarmin #BeatYesterday #RunHappy #BDRAmbassador #RunJax
When the time changes and you are back to running When the time changes and you are back to running in the dark. It’s not the worst thing, although I’ll like it better when it’s not quite so cold.

Are you back to running in the dark?

#running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Let’s talk about PI DAY! I LOVE pie, and here m Let’s talk about PI DAY!

I LOVE pie, and here my favorite places to score pie around town!

🥧 Grab a breakfast Aussie pie at @thekookaburra. I love the True Blue with cheddar and bacon or the Corker, with sausage and pepper Jack.

🥧 pizza by the slice at @biggiespizza is perfect! Peep that pepperoni! 

🥧 A pie speakeasy? Don’t mind if I do! Head over to @mixedfillingspieshop to see what the ladies have baked up! This chocolate lava pie is absolute perfection!

🥧 Get your pies to go at @sweetcravingsbyshar. I love the apple, while my kiddo adores the key lime!

Where’s your favorite place to celebrate Pi Day?

#piday #pie #pizzapie #fruitpies #firstcoastfavorites #yelpjax #yelpjacksonville #locallove #aussiepies #staugustine #jaxfoodie #nationalpiday #pieinthesky #yelpelite #yelpelitesquad #firstcoastfoodies
Another ten mile hike. We started a little later t Another ten mile hike. We started a little later today, since the weather was cooler and it went well. 

We have a 15 and a 20 to go! Any suggestions for trails in the St Augustine/Jax area? We are always looking for new places to explore!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Raise your hand if you got stuck in a thunderstorm Raise your hand if you got stuck in a thunderstorm ⛈️ this morning and had to put your run on pause to be safe.

🖐️ 

Waiting around to head out again in a few hours. Not my favorite. 

Anyone else getting nasty weather today? i know some of you are still dealing with snow and ice, and that’s no fun either.

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids

Copyright © 2023 · Wordpress Theme by Hello Yay!