Everything I Needed to Know About Life I Learned from Running

I began a running program in June, 2008. It was love at first stride. Throughout this passionate affair, I have learned. . .

Your body is always talking to you. Like a romantic partner, your body wants you to feel good. And like a romantic partner, your body will love you well if you pay exquisite attention to it.

Start slow. Really, really, really slow.

Pace yourself.

Eat well. Carbohydrates are good!

Drink water. Lots and lots and lots and lots of water. Your sore muscles will thank you.

Look where you’re going. Notice the ground a few feet ahead of you. Anticipate cracks in the sidewalk, curbs, sticks, stones, uneven pavement, gravel, and doggie doo-doo.

Set small goals, like making it to the next driveway, or to the next tree, or to the end of the block, or to the end of the street.

Celebrate yourself when you achieve those goals.

Invest in great shoes and great bras. These are necessities. Everything else is an extra.

Have a mantra that you say in rhythm to your stride. One of mine: “Hap-py. Heal-thy. Weal-thy. Free. Safe. Ea-sy Life.”

Be kind to your feet. They work hard to support you, and they love it when you treat them with compassion.

Enjoy the runner’s high. It can be as good as sex. Seriously.

Run with friends because you deserve the fun.

Run alone because you deserve the solitude.

Rest.

I am passionate about running. And I am passionate about infusing the rest of my life with what I’ve learned from running!




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