What I've Learned from Running

Today was the looooonnnnggggesst day!  My manager kept looking at me and saying 'you look exhausted'.  Hmmmmm...that can't be good.

I came home and relaxed before doing the yoga video.  Once again, it kicked my butt with my legs starting to shake 1/2 way through.

To help me relax, I picked up this book.

and came across 49 Reasons to Start Running.  This got me thinking about what running has taught me over the last few years.

• Just when you can't push your body any more, another step is possible!
• Having said that, be smart and think long term.  A short term rest is much better than a long term hiatus.
• Your body can do more than you think it can.
• It's more mental than physical.  Whether you think you can, or think you can't...you are right.
• There is a very supportive running community out there and you don't need to be FAST to be considered a runner.
• You will feel better after a run, even if you don't feel it when you begin.
• Not every run is perfect or good.  We have to take the good and the bad to become a stronger person.
• Running will carry you through difficult times.
• Running outside is breathtaking if you take a minute to notice your surroundings; the smells, the sounds, the views!
• It's not considered strange to start talking to a random stranger about their pace, races, etc when toeing a start line.
• Physiotherapists, Massage Therapist, Osteopaths, Chiropractors, etc will become your best friends.
• Your Garmin will die at the most inopportune moments.
• It is addictive.
• You will be able to tell people exactly how far something is in your neighbourhood because you've probably run to/by it on more than one occasion.
• And finally....I love it!  If you had said 5 years ago that I'd be a runner, I would have laughed at you.  I'm so glad I started!!!

Running has also allowed me to indulge in treats like these without feeling too guilty about it.  If you haven't tried them, you really should...they are like heaven in a box!

I'm off to watch the election results here in Nova Scotia.  Thanks for stopping by and have a great hump day tomorrow!

Valley Harvest is in 5 days!

Tell me what running has taught you!!!