At work I’m known as that crazy one that runs but some how I’ve managed to inspire a couple of them to lace up. In fact one of them even ran their first half the same weekend I was running the Rock ‘n’ Roll AZ.
I was thinking about this a little tonight and realized that running has infiltrated more than who I am physically. In many ways I think there are certain traits that I have today as a result of all the mileage. So I thought it would be fun to think about the running effect.
How has running changed you?
Perseverance
– This is one that I notice almost daily. As frustrated as I get when things don’t go my way, (and it happens more than I care to admit) I think running has taught me that as long as there is another run there’s another chance. Another chance to change the result and to make it what you want. That’s also led to me appreciating and learning to keep everything in perspective.
Confident
– Every time I cross a finish line that I doubted I would cross, I gain a little more confidence. Confidence that I know I can do things beyond what I can comprehend. It just takes hard work and the result of hard work is confidence.
Humility
– In the same way that a good race can build your confidence, a bad one can break you down and I’ve learned that lesson many (many, many) times and in humility comes the ability to spot weaknesses that can than become strengths. Definitely a love/hate relationship.
Loyalty
– This is something that I really felt that I lacked before I really started running (just ask my former boyfriends). I ran away from a lot of situations and relationships when they got tough but running has taught me that not everyday in a relationship will be good and sometimes you just have to gut it out.
Desire
– I guess it might be the same as perseverance…no nevermind. Desire to me is the want/need to improve. Running is 100% part of who I am and who I want to be. I may not always love it but when I’m in the groove, it’s the best thing and I can think about is getting better.
It’s funny, it wasn’t till I started proofreading this that I really noticed the parallel it had to the #LikeAGirl commercial from the Super Bowl. You know the one, the one that had us all thinking just how frustrating it is that this perception has such an impact on girls. We were all there, we know how easy it can be to be influenced but it’s through a sport like running or other sports where girls can learn who they really are.
I’m proud of who I am today, I’m proud of all the different people, events and actions that have helped in that process. I just hope that young girls can see that it’s as much about the journey as it is the destination, that’s where the strength is built and when running like a girl becomes the biggest compliment ever.
How has running changed you? What traits do you thin running has directly impacted?
LOVE this!! I love running and although I am not sure that it has CHANGED me, per se, I do know that running makes me a better person! 🙂
Running has done many of the same things for me. As a coach of teenage girls, I see it so much. The ones who do sports, and I think especially running, have so much more confidence in themselves.
Great post! Running has definitely changed me too! It has made me realize that I am stronger than I ever thought that I was and that I can do things that to some seem impossible!
Nice post! Perseverance for sure and confidence yes!
This is great! I was so inspired by the #likeagirl commercial that I have a blog post in the works as well. Yep. Running is awesome!
I think running has definitely showed me how to perservere. I never in a million years thought I would be able to run a marathon both physically and mentally. But holy cow, I am definitely capable and capable of more too. It’s definitely given me a confidence that I’ve never had before. I wasn’t good at sports in high school so the fact that I could run and actually be fairly decent at it was huge!
Oh man I love this so much. Running is one of the biggest teachers of life lessons if we pay attention. I have learned so much about myself through running and it’s so hard to imagine a time before I ran.
It really is amazing all the ways that running has helped me to be a better person…it has slowly become a part of who I am. It has made me stronger, confident, determined, proud and humble :). It has taught me to set goals and work for them. It has helped me meet new friends. I love running and love to help others see how awesome it is
Running has and continues to shape who I am as person, but mainly as a mother. Running is not just an outlet, it teaches me of all of the skills I need to be a good mother to my children… patience, perseverance, humility, hope, and belief in myself. It is so much more than just a sport.
I have a love hate relationship with running. In gym class I was horrible at it and I think that’s what’s held me back from really doing it a lot. But, I do find when I do it at my own pace, no races, no rushing, I feel really good afterwards.
Love this Katie. Running has given me so much and made me stronger in ways other than physical.
Love this! Running has made me healthy, both physically and mentally. It started me on a track toward a healthier, happier life. I don’t know where I’d be today without it!
I am learning to love to run and I can already relate to those 5 effects. 🙂
That’s so good to hear!
I think these all apply to me… I never thought about it like that!
Yes they do Axel!
This is great – running has definitely changed me and I’ve grown over the years.
I love to hear that!
These are all benefits us moms could definitely use more of! Running, playing sports and staying active is such a great thing to have in our lives and to be a strong role model for our kids as well.
So true!!
Spot.Freaking.ON! Especially with number one. I have been persevering for over ten years, and I’m still keepin on keepin on!
Thanks Kristin!
Yes! I definitely have more confidence thanks to running. I may not always love how my clothes fit, but I love what my body can do.
Our bodies are amazingly capable!
Running has most definitely changed me. If anything, its taught me that I can push my boundaries more than I think I can.
YES!
Perseverance for sure. Runners are one of the strongest group of people I know – they always get up whenever they get knocked down!
You have to get up right!? 🙂
Totally agree! I love running for the confidence it has given me!
Confidence is key!
Love this!! Running has changed me by giving me a piece of mind by reducing anxiety, it had led to better sleep, it had allowed me to step out if my comfort zone, and it has given me to drive to do better!
Excellent!
Running saved my life. I know that sounds cliché and cheesy, but it did. There was a time when I was going through hell in my personal life, where I was completely rock bottom. Running was the one thing I did for myself that gave me confidence and helped clear my mind. I’m afraid to think of what might have happened to me had I not had that outlet!
I remember what you went through. TERRIBLE. I have been so inspired by how you’ve come out the other side! LOVE YOU!