Running is Natural

Running is part of our physical ability like walking or jumping. Under fearful circumstances, we all can run. It also could be a choice under less strenuous conditions, but still, we need the spark to start. In the ancient world, Greece, Persia, and Egypt, people used running to deliver messages. Well, we have plenty of mail carriers today, so we can convince ourselves of the other benefits of running like increased lung capacity, lessening the effects of asthma, strengthening the immune system, our joints, reducing our stress, and improving our mood and confidence. Hopefully, one of those reasons is strong enough to push us out the door and try it.

Running Motivation

Running is like living life but on a higher volume. The more you do it, the more you want to, and it does get easier. 😊 We all run as kids, and we do not need motivation. Then, how come as adults we do? Oh, yes, we are so busy being adults, going to work, paying bills, and our priorities change. We do actually run. We do “Run” errands all day long, so there is not one drop of energy left in the evening to do anymore ‘running.’ Well, when we ran out of reasoning, the only strategy left is self-discipline. We do use our will force for a lot of other goals; it is only a matter of choice whether to include running as well.

My first 5K

My first 5K took place in March, 2017. It was a charity race in favor of St. Jude Hospital, fighting children’s cancer, organized by Fit2Run. I always thought of those race runners as superhumans, and never picture myself among them. Somehow, the year before, I got a subscription to Runners’ World to find out that ‘regular humans’ like me can participate too. So, here I was at the race with my bib and my ankle chip, ready to start. The speech before the race touched on the pain we all had—lost a family or friend to cancer. That’s why we were here—to help, no additional motivation was needed. I got shin pain, leg cramps, and persistent thirst, but those were to be expected. What I didn’t know was how good I felt after the finish from the cheer of the crowd and the contentment of my small contribution. And that was contagious—five years later still going and not planning to stop.