That may sound like blasphemy coming from me. Yes, I’m the gung-ho coach who has run 36 marathons. The one who tells my team to get out there and run faster. The woman who will argue the case for running against any opponent. The writer who wrote this post about why I run. But I have to say,
Sometimes running is hard.
It is hard to get up at 3:30 in the morning on a Saturday because you have a long run on the schedule and things to do in the afternoon. But you do it.
It is hard to run 20 (or more) miles by yourself, with nothing but your thoughts (and maybe an audiobook) to keep you company. But you do it.
It is hard to run in single digit cold or triple digit heat. Or the rain, sleet, or snow. But you do it. Okay, well sometimes you run on the treadmill or early in the morning to beat that heat, but the heart says, “I can do it.”
It is hard to overcome those aches and pains and get out there and run.
It is even harder to pull in the reins because you realize those aches and pains need a rest. But you do it.
You do it because running makes you happy. You do it because running makes you strong. And honestly, you may do it because running allows you to have an extra slice of pizza or two on occasion.
Running makes you a better, smarter, good looking person. (Okay, I just threw that one in to see if you’re paying attention.) It clears your mind, calms your thoughts.
You do it because not doing it is unimaginable.
You do it because you are a runner. And running, even when it is hard, especially when it is hard, is what makes it all worthwhile.
Do you embrace the hard part of running? What is your hard?
Reposted with Permission from Coach Debbie Runs