A Runner’s Retrospective
By: Ada Ling
Tags: Running, Motivation, Inspiration, Health, Sports

1: Running Teaches You to Slow Down

How come? Isn’t running supposed to be fast?

In long-distance running, you must start slow — at a pace that you are comfortable with. If a runner burns out toward the end of the journey, one possible reason is he/she started too fast. Runners observe their pace closely — they do not want to start too quickly. If you can control your pace, you can even speed up in the later journey. Isn’t this amazing?

Start slow is not just running. It is everything in life. Learning a skill, founding a business, establishing a relationship. The masters are the ones who set pace slow — They disassemble the problem, study each subpart, then put everything together. The slow learning process enables a solid foundation. Then they can move steadily and leap.

Running is a long journey.

Life is a longer journey.

There is no need for a rush. Start at your own pace.

2: Running Is Definitely Not an Individual Sport

Some people do not like running because it is a lonely sport. They hate being alone.

But here is the fact: I made most of my friends from running. Those are the ones I can share my challenges with. Those are the ones who gave me the courage to set the bar higher.

The same hobby will draw people together naturally. Start with a brief introduction, and soon you will find out you are running side by side with some buddies. You will not even realize that your running distance is increasing.

Running will give you a community, even sometimes you have to run alone. You will train within the community and share the sweat, the laugh. What else is better than having fun with friends?

You are not going to be alone, I promise.

Here is another fact: Whiling running along with buddies is fun, running alone can be a pleasure. It is time you can just be yourself and listen to nature. It is equally important.

3: Running Forces You to Be Disciplined

Most training and races start in the morning. If you have one the next morning, you must get up early. How to get up early? Go to sleep early.

Regardless of your running schedule in the day, the chance is if you run, you are likely tired in the evening. You want to go to bed early.

Do you see the pattern? Running will leave you with no choice other than setting up a regular sleep routine.

You will be selective about what you eat before and after each run. You have to choose food with high nutrition and energy. I’ve got to know more healthy food since I started to run.

You want to test the water — Eat whatever you want and as much as you can? Well, your stomach will betray you, and you will burn out during the journey.

Running will leave you with no choice other than having a healthy eating habit.

You want to run. So, you have to find the time. You have to be disciplined in your schedule so that you can spare the time to run.

Running will leave you with no choice other than being productive on your schedule.

Final Thoughts

Looking back, I am glad I was in the trap four years ago, thanks to my dear running buddies. I do not crave for half marathon or marathon. But I am grateful for what running gives to me: fitness, discipline, and friendship.

If you are thinking of starting to run, here is how:

Start slow, make some friends –You will be ready to be a runner.

Disclosure: The first mile is the hardest. So do not feel discouraged if you have a hard start. All you need is to put on your shoes and get your feet moving.