Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Missionary For Running

Tonight I realized that I sound like a missionary. A relative was talking about weight and out of my mouth popped "Come running with me in the morning!" I find my mouth blurting things like that every once in a while when someone is in the midst of a problem or dilemma.

There is no pill that can maintain weight, improve sleep, increase energy, decrease depression, and boost self-esteem like running can. Who doesn't need a little help with one of those?

It got me thinking why in the world I would try to convert someone to the religion of running. The fact of the matter is that most of the time the actual act of running isn't too fun for me. It's really hard. Sometimes it's downright miserable.

But then I realized....that's why I've been drawn to running. For the pure challenge. For the sense of accomplishment after knowing I've really pushed myself. For the knowledge that I went a little farther than I thought I could.

I've heard that some people run because they plan out their day or solve the world's problems as their legs carry them along. This isn't the case for me. I'm usually only focused on either
1) Preventing myself from bursting into tears

2) Focusing my mental energy on not puking, or
3) Avoiding curling up in fetal position in the middle of someone's driveway.

But the fact that it isn't easy brings all of the rewards from running.

I want to bring you to the waters of running. I know. I know. Your knees hurt. You're not a runner. I came up with all the reasons why I couldn't do it too. See some of them here. But I swear to you - if I can do it, ANYONE can. So....want to come running with me in the morning?

2 comments:

Tink said...

Ya know what...I really needed to hear that today. I have been running 3 times a week but this week I haven't made it out once. I was ready to give up...because it IS hard. I really hate it. But I do feel better afterwards. So Thanks. You inspired me to keep running! What a great Missionary!

Jesse said...

Nice to meet you. Thanks for the comment over on our blog. I share the same hate-love relationship with running. I haven't yet reached the point of experiencing meditative zen while in the act. But I'm hooked (on how I feel afterwords). There is something so rewarding about kicking one's own trash. It has made me believe in myself in a new way.