It’s been over 5 years since I started running. And over the years the reasons for running have evolved too. It began with a quest to find myself. I started respecting and loving myself a little more every time I ran. I needed to run to have conversations with myself. The more I ran the more I understood about how much more capable I am of everything else. Then came a time when I ran for speed. I loved it and I wanted to get better and I wanted to prove myself. But I realised I was trying to prove myself to others and seeking validation. I think that’s where I got robbed of the joy that comes from running. I was achieving PBs but I wasn’t truly happy. And you can’t ever be truly happy if you are trying to do things for others. And that revelation was enough for me to take a step back from running. Now I have chosen to only run for myself, when I really want to and when it really makes me happy. I don’t know if this is what happens when you evolve as a recreational runner but it has definitely happened to me. And since then somethings have changed –
1) Pace doesn’t bother me at all. As long as I’m enjoying my run is all that matters.
2) Others’ pace also doesn’t matter anymore. I only feel happy when I see someone else happy.
3) I don’t think stopping to help someone during a run or because I have to stop to tie my laces or to pet a dog, will spoil my run.
4) I don’t feel that I will “forget how to run” anymore. I’m not smug about it but I’m not insecure either. Deep inside I know I will be able to build up for a long distance when I really want to.
5) I don’t constantly reward myself after a good run. Basically, I don’t binge anymore after a good run.
6) I don’t berate myself for a bad run. I take it as it comes. Some days are good and some simply bad and there’s no point in wasting time mulling over it.
7) I don’t try to keep running in circles to get in those extra 100 meters to round off my run to a 5km or a 10km. I’m happy irrespective.
16 Comments
A very educative blog this is with respect to fitness concerns!
Yup this is the Nirvana that running is ultimately suppose to bring to you.
An awesome write up Anupriya … thanks for sharing this.
Thanks Mike 🙂
It’s always amazing to read ur write up. This particular one is V inspiring what I wanted to hear at this moment…. Run for yourself and not others. Would really like to meet you someday!!
Hey it’s a small world, we will definitely meet. And thank you so much 🙂
Running for me has always been ME time. Others pace, distance nothing bothers me…I just run for myself . There is a smile on my face post a run so really don’t know what is a good or a bad run. I just know running makes me very very happy. It has really helped to let go a lot of things which was unknowingly bogging me.
That’s so awesome Panchali and thanks for sharing your thoughts 🙂
Nice…
Thank you 🙂
Another very insightful thought depicted wonderfully Anu…Indeed your words speak the true essence and happiness that running brings.It’s a far cry from the crazy running trend that has caught up today as a “fashion statement” huh!!!……keep spreading the joy 🙂
Thanks so much Kastoori..yeah the crazy running trend is more harmful than good for the body. I hope people will learn from their mistakes just like we did.
You have captured my thoughts and given it form! Feeling so gratified that another soul thinks exactly like me. This is one addiction I would like to get out of…Run every day and keep the doctor away!
Thank you so much 🙂 More power
The passion of running has been described in true sense…
Thank you so much 🙂
This is a motivational write up. I liked it very much. I went in flash back when I used to run daily and I made it a habit. I could not live without running even a single. If not possible in the morning, I used to go for a run in the evening. Now is a time when I don’t even think of doing this. Busy life, laziness, stress all have surrounded me.
I am going to start it again. Thanks for sharing.