Happy Global Running Day!
Today is all about getting outside to celebrate this beautiful sport, and there is no right or wrong way to celebrate. Whether you’re a seasoned runner heading out for a scheduled run or just heading out for the first time – making time for yourself is all it takes to celebrate this worldwide holiday.
Running is an incredible sport that truly has the power to change lives.
By running, we are consciously choosing to improve our health, strengthen our mind, conquer new goals, explore new places and so much more. This sport challenges us and inspires us each and every time we choose to participate.
The best part about running is that it’s all-inclusive. This worldwide holiday symbolizes the diversity of our sport. Running is there for those of all ages, weight, shape, size, ability level and ethnicity.
Related: 14 Reasons to Fall in Love with Running
So whether you’re lacing up for a run/walk around the block or heading out for your mid-week tempo run this Global Running Day, take some time to appreciate everything you’ve gained by running.
Every day, but especially today, I am grateful to have discovered running. What started as a simple quest for family members to lose weight has developed into a lifestyle that I will never change.
Running has brought so much into my life, and today I wanted to take some time to express what all I have learned and gained by completing my very first race more than 7 years ago.
Running challenges me to accomplish new goals.
Perhaps one of my favorite things about running is how is has pushed me to attempt new goals and continuously improve my best. There are endless opportunities to improve as a runner – even once you’ve accomplished that bucket list distance or crazy fast speed.
Regardless of my success at the end of each race, I am always motivated to improve. This sport allows us to compete against ourselves and become the best version of ourselves every single day.
Running gives me a sense of purpose.
While I will likely never win a race or earn any compensation for my mileage, running provides me with a sense of purpose every day. This unique sport helps define my individuality, shape me as a person, and build a set of passions.
I will always consider myself to be a runner, and that alone helps shape my priorities, hobbies, friendships and so much more.
Running has given me an excuse to travel.
I have had a chance to see and visit so many brand new places thanks to running. Whether it’s a city that I’ve always wanted to visit, or just a random place on the map, each race brings me to a new place.
Never in my wildest dreams did I expect that the first time I visited New York City would be when I ran through the streets, just as I never expected to be running beneath the rides at Cedar Point. Running gives us the opportunity to explore so many cities on foot, whether we are vacationing, making a rest stop while traveling, or heading to a destination race.
Running provides me with an opportunity to experience every season.
One of my absolute favorite things about living in Michigan is getting to experience every single season to its fullest. Whether it’s the snowy winters, fall colors, beautiful spring flowers or sunny, humid summers, running helps me stay outdoors through them all.
While it’s tempting to hibernate indoors when the weather looks less than ideal, running through challenging conditions has given me memories that I will never forget. There is no better way to experience the first snow fall or prime fall colors than by getting out and exploring on foot.
Running has helped me develop a bond with so many people.
It’s no secret that runners are usually obsessed with their sport. Whether you’re an amateur runner like myself or make your living through the sport, we all enjoy a conversation with another runner.
This sport has introduced me to some of the most inspirational people while waiting in starting corrals or running solo. Running gives me a regular opportunity to get together with family members who share the obsession. I have found that some of the most heartfelt and truthful conversations occur on the run.
Running gives me a sense of pride.
When I think through the most defining moments of my life, quite a few of them involve running. I will never forget the moment when I crossed the finish line of my very first marathon, or this past year when I finally beat my PR after five years.
Running allows me to feel proud on a daily basis, whether it’s from accomplishing a simple easy run or completing a race after months of training. This sport provides us with endless opportunities to feel proud of our accomplishments, motivation and hard work.
Running helps relieve stress from every day life.
Not only do we feel proud and accomplished after each run, but we also feel less stressed, more relaxed and more positive. Running is a natural stress reliever that provides us with some much needed time to ourselves throughout the stresses of everyday life.
There is something so therapeutic about pounding the pavement, being alone and truly embracing your own thoughts. Not to mention the endorphins that flood our brains when we return from a run. Running provides stress relief every single time, no matter what the circumstance.
Related: 15 Incredible Reasons to Run
Running keeps me healthy and active year round.
It can be tempting to use life as an excuse to stay indoors and remain inactive. When things get really busy, nothing sounds more appealing than curling up on the couch and avoiding it all.
Keeping up with a regular running routine helps avoid these lazy temptations that eventually make us feel even worse than before. This sport keeps me motivated to stay active, and helps me make healthy choices even when the run is done.
Running helps me stay energized and productive.
It sounds counter intuitive, but just about any runner knows that heading out for a few miles will actually help them feel more energized. Although running takes time out of my day, it always helps me stay focused and more productive in the long run.
Taking time to myself each day helps me stay motivated to get work done, conquer my to do list, and generally stay more productive than if I’d skipped a run.
While running means something different to every person, there is no doubt that what it means is something special.
Take the time to celebrate this Global Running Day by heading outside and enjoying a run! Whether that means a lap around your block, a trek through the woods or a speed workout, celebrate what running means for YOU today.