What Running Has Taught Me
Two of my besties, who I met through running: Jess & Katt
I’ve been a runner for almost 11 years. On and off, mostly off during the Calgary winters because running on icy paths and in -25c weather is not what I consider enjoyable. Most people likely look at me running and think I’m new to it because of the fact that my body doesn’t “look like” what we believe a runner’s body looks like. I mean, yeah, I’m definitely not going to be running competitively in this body and I’m also not going to be earning myself any new personal bests (PBs), but that’s cool with me! We have seen a beautiful trend over the past decade where runners of all shapes and sizes are hitting the paths and lining up at races.
There are many reasons that we choose to start running and even more that lead us to sign up for our first race. From there, we’re likely hooked and continue to dedicate more time, energy and money to the sport that’s helping to change our life for the better. We’ll probably have our share of ups and downs, but we’ll remain committed to one thing: we’re a runner!
I could write a lot about running, and I definitely will over a number of different posts. I thought the best one to start off with was sharing the top five things that running has taught me.
1. It’s not always about getting faster or better. Running for the pure joy of it, where I remove the pressure around pace, is my current favourite way to run. I used to think that unless I was getting faster, I was failing. I remember crying at the finish line of the BMO Vancouver half marathon in May 2012 because I finished in 2:07, a far cry from the sub 2 hour time that I was striving for. I felt embarrassed, pathetic and like a failure. Now I look back at this and laugh. Achieving goals is a huge part of why many people run races, but I’ve found more lasting joy simply in the very act of running than I ever have by achieving a new PB. This is especially true right now as I continue to run, despite being at the heaviest weight I’ve ever seen on the scale.
2. I LOVE running solo. I recently shared how writing is a part of my personal therapy, but so is running. Being alone in nature while pushing my body outside of its comfort zone has created a conditioned response to work through my thoughts. When running with others, I’m focused on contributing to the conversation while struggling through shortened breath, and how my pace is either too slow or too fast for them. It’s honestly a bit stressful. I think I also love solo running because I’m an extroverted introvert and need time alone to recharge.
This is not to say that I don’t love supporting newer runners. I’ve had the privilege of leading a group of newbies twice in my life and it’s inspiring to watch people progress and achieve goals. The biggest tip I can share with those who are helping new runners is to put your ego aside and make it all about them. You can head out for a longer or faster run on your own outside of the time you’ve dedicated to being a leader. Share stories that inspire but not intimidate and really get to know these people. They could become your next best friend, or even significant other.
3. The running community is vast, diverse, and supportive. Runners are obsessed with their sport and we could spend hours talking about it. I have been lucky to have a few managers in my career who love running too, and two of them I actually did spend hours talking to about it (shout out to Tim & Geoff!). If you meet another runner somewhere, you’re instantly connected to them. There’s a great quote by Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to run the Boston Marathon: "If you are losing faith in humanity, go watch a marathon." Watching people challenge themselves is incredibly inspiring. If you’re lucky, you might even witness or be the recipient of a runner physically or verbally assisting another through a tough time or across the finish line. Cheering for fellow runners during a race warms the heart of everyone involved too. We’re not like a cult though. Or are we?
4. Running is a great way to explore cities, and a great excuse to travel. I’ve spent a fair amount of my hard earned cash travelling throughout North America for races, including: Vancouver (many times), Victoria (three times), Montréal, Seattle, Portland, Chicago (twice), Detroit, Walt Disney World, and Hawai’i (five times…). Destination races are super fun and as you can likely see from my list, a bit addictive. Bonus points if you arrange to meet up with friends or family there! One of the sad things about not having my annual trip to Vancouver for the lululemon SeaWheeze half marathon this year is that it’s the one time I see many of my running buddies from all over the continent in one place. I’ve also used running as a way to explore Honolulu, a few parts of Maui, and both Sydney and Perth in Australia because if you run, you can see more in the same amount of time than you would walking!
5. Completing my first marathon taught me that I can do anything that I put my mind to. I’ll never forget my eyes filling with tears during my first marathon in Honolulu in 2012. I was on the descent from Diamond Head and as I looked ahead of me, I saw a sea of other runners. It hit me “I’m running a marathon. I’M RUNNING a MARATHON!” This coming from the girl who grew up as one of the fat girls in school. The girl who couldn’t run in high school P.E. class. The girl who thought she wasn’t a runner but chose to become one because she had set the goal to. I went from struggling to run a minute at a time in October 2009, to running 32kms without stopping during that race, 3 years and 2 months later. Crossing that finish line and joining the exclusive “Marathoner club” was the best feeling I’d ever experienced. This is the most important thing that running has taught me. I keep the shoe timing chip from that race on my key-chain as a daily reminder that anything is possible.
If you’re a runner, I’d love to hear what running has taught you. If you’re new to running or haven’t started but want to, I’ve got a post coming for you.
~ Jenny