January 16, 2023
This winter has brought extreme cold temperatures to my region, and each morning, I hear my joints pop and crack as I roll out of bed. As I prepare my children for school, all I crave is to snuggle back under the warmth of my flannel sheets, perhaps catching a few more moments of sleep while HGTV plays softly in the background. Yet, I resist that temptation because adult life demands my attention, and there’s always tasks awaiting my focus.
Nothing shakes me out of my morning fog quite like slipping into my running gear and hitting the pavement. Some mornings, I eagerly anticipate the chance to escape into the rhythm of my thoughts, losing myself in a meditative space I carve out just for myself.
Before I step outside, the familiar sight of unpaid bills and my daunting to-do list catches my eye. A floor in need of vacuuming, a dog who’d rather I lounge at home and give her belly rubs, a mountain of laundry, and a trash can that seems to multiply — the responsibilities are endless. Yet, I recognize that if I take this time for myself, I’ll be better equipped to tackle everything else that demands my attention.
Having been a runner for three years now, I can confidently say I’ve never regretted a single run. I lace up my shoes because there was a time when I doubted my ability to be a runner at all. I believed that running was reserved for those with athletic prowess, a category I never thought I belonged to.
But I began running to challenge that belief. Initially, I struggled to go even a few yards; it felt alien, painful, and utterly unenjoyable. My body protested vehemently, insisting that a quarter-mile was beyond my limits. Yet, one day, my mindset shifted, and I am so grateful I decided to persevere through those early struggles.
The perks of running extend well beyond physical fitness. It has helped me navigate the emotional turbulence of a divorce, provided a vital outlet for stress relief, and revealed the limits of my physical endurance. Running has become a staple of self-care in my life, offering more than I ever expected. It energizes me, improves my sleep, and encourages me to breathe in fresh air. Most importantly, it has taught me about the resilience of my mind and body.
Certainly, there are days when running feels like a battle, and I can’t wait for it to end. Yet, I embrace those challenging moments because they serve as reminders of my capabilities. Even if I find myself collapsed on the floor, vowing never to tackle a hill like that again, I know deep down that I did it. I tried. I achieved something genuinely difficult, and I will undoubtedly do it again — because I can. I’ve shown myself that setting goals and reaching them is possible, which is incredibly empowering.
I believe that anyone with the desire to run should give it a try. I don’t say this with a preachy tone; I started running only after I turned 40. I transitioned from struggling to run a mile with breaks to completing three miles straight and now participate in multiple half marathons each year. I didn’t play sports or run during my youth. If you want to become a runner, all it takes is a good pair of shoes and the willingness to start slowly — you may just surprise yourself.
The experience of pushing your physical limits — of doing something you once thought impossible — can boost your confidence in other life areas. It can even help ease emotional burdens. While running is a physical release, it also reinforces the strength of your mind.
Many runners don’t lace up day after day solely for the exercise benefits. They do it because it fulfills a deeper, often inexplicable spiritual and emotional need. Runners witness the beauty of nature unfolding around them, experiencing the changing colors of a sunset or the serenity of falling snow. They traverse quiet roads, greet fellow runners, inhale the scent of earth, and revel in the rain, allowing their minds to roam freely.
People often ask me why I run in inclement weather — be it rain, snow, or heat. Having felt the transformative effects of running on both body and soul, it’s hard for me not to turn the question around and ask why they don’t run. For me, it’s about so much more than just cardio.
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In summary, running is not just a form of exercise for me; it is a powerful tool for personal growth and emotional resilience. It has taught me about my strength and determination and continues to enrich my life in ways I never anticipated.