This week's theme at Runner's Lounge, Take it and Run Thursday is life lessons learned from running.
It's hard for me to pinpoint exactly the life lesson's I have learned from running as there are many, but here are a few that are predominant in my mind :
1) Life is short do not waste it. For me, every marathon I run always includes some thoughts and reflections about life. It helps to refocus what is important in life: experiences with friends and family. This is why I am always looking forward to my next race or event, its all about the experiences.
2) Flexibility is important. Physically (and don't my calves know it tonight) and metaphorically. Sometimes your runs are missed, or training is altered out of our control when life or injuries get in the way, so our training plan must be flexible. Being a "Type A" personality, I have realized that flexibility is key to staying sane in such a fast paced world.
3) Stay positive even when its tough. Sometimes it can be tough to be tough when you train hard and run a crappy race. I have learned the importance of seeing the positive even when a race or a training run doesn't go as planned. In fact, its my belief that we can often learn so much more when things don't go as planned. Be thankful that you can run, and that you can improve. Similarily in life, its important to stay positive. Every day we are here is a blessing. Truly.
OK, enough with the deep stuff. Running has also made me learn the following lighter life lessons
4) Plan long routes in new construction areas. Porta-potties are guaranteed.
5) Body Glide is a wonderful thing, really and truly.
6) There is nothing as good as a Starbucks hot chocolate and an ice-bath after a long run.
7) Runners are awesome and interesting people. Yes, I mean you.
Have a great Friday all! Thanks for reading!
14 comments:
such a great post Marci! never thought about the porta-potties in construction areas!! love it! and you're so right about flexibility, positivity and Body Glide! LOL
My runs are not long enough yet to worry about this, but I love your tip on running near construction sites! Hilarious! I don't seem to have issues needing Body Glide, whatever that is, but I cannot conceive of ever running without my frictionless socks. You know, those socks are are doubled up so that the sock rubs against sock and not skin. I discovered these back in my treeplanting days, and for running they are indispensible!
Not to many porta potties where I run but there are plenty of trees!
And you're awesome right back at you!
Great list. On the topic of #2, I ordered the "marathon stick" and a foam roller online and can't wait for them to arrive in the mail. Yay myofascial release! This excites me?!?? I am such a dork.
I JUST learned #4 (the pots around construction areas) last week. I was like "HEY! I should come around the "Road Closed" signs more often" LOL
Hi, so you're running Philly, too. Have you done this one before? Seems you've done quite a few. This will be my first...
I love the porty potty info! So true. So true!
Good Lessons. Have a wonderful weekend!
awesome post :) everything you said is SO true!
Ewww, some of the portapotties on the construction sites I have to go to are pretty gross! But in a pinch it would work LOL....
Thanks for the kudos, but I think you're pretty awsome and inspirational too!!!
This whole post was great, but I especially like #4. It's so true and such a good idea!
Wonderful post! And so true... LOL @ construction sites; I do the same thing.
I've always been a Body Glide aholic but I have a whole new appreciation for the stuff after last weekend. They need to sell it in larger sticks!
Excellent post! Thanks!
Thank you for the comments. It was a great boost during a difficult time.
I love the idea of your construction area long runs. That is genius!
*You* are awesome! Thanks for sharing your life lessons. You know, I do not what I would do without my Body Glide!!
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