The Runner in All of Us

Aristotle once used a philosophical analogy of a sculptor seeing an object exist in a block of marble so it is really a matter of chipping away the pieces to get to it. Today's post is going to draw on this analogy. I believe there is a runner in all of us and we just need to get him or her out.

In my last blog, I mentioned that it takes courage for someone to get up and start running, whether you are brand new to it or trying to get back into it. I should add that it also takes courage to stick with it. Why is that, though? Why do we need courage to do something as simple as running? Here are my thoughts...

A lot of people will sabotage their own efforts to get into shape. I've heard so many people adamantly say that they did not have time for running. I've always been skeptical about this. If you really want to get out and exercise, you can almost always think of ways to do it. I've done things like getting up early, running over the lunch hour (and then eating at my desk), or even going to the playground with my wife and kids and then going  for a quick one while she supervises their playing. When my wife works on the weekend, I've had some kind friends babysit for a 1/2 hour to 45 minutes while I did a run around a nearby lake. If my 3 year old is willing, I'll push him in a stroller while I run. If you truly have a schedule where you find it really hard to find time to exercise then you should do some major analysis because you probably really need to run more than the average person, which brings me to my next point.

Running makes you feel better. Not just a little better...a lot better. If you are new to running, you'll at first think it does not make you feel better. In fact, you will probably think it makes you feel lousy and you will swear a lot. But trust me; you need to put in the effort to stick with it and get over that first hill, metaphorically speaking. If you run 3 times a week you will start to notice that it gets easier in about a month or so. I almost hesitate to say "easier"...perhaps "different" is a better word. You will get used to running and your body will go through a kind of transformation. You will start to feel stronger and breathing more efficiently. Runs will be something you actually look forward to instead of dreading. One of the great things you will also notice is that you will feel more alive and active throughout the day.

Here's something interesting. When I went through a career transition period, I saw a therapist. I was in a period of inactivity and didn't feel very good about myself. My therapist gave me a note to give to my doctor for some pills to make me feel better and asked me if I exercised. "I used to run but haven't for a while," I responded. She then explained that if she had to choose between therapy, pills, or exercise to make someone feel better she would choose exercise, hands down. Let me be clear: I'm not saying you should quit therapy if you are using it or flush your pills down the toilet. It's better to have a combination of things helping you but the fact that exercise is the number one thing that a professional, licensed therapist would prescribe really got me thinking about the power of exercise. By the way, when I visited my doctor to get a prescription, she confirmed what my therapist had told me.

Perhaps the thing that surprised me the most about running is the insightful things you learn about yourself and others. As far as the latter, you will find that the running community is very supportive and kind in general. Nods, hellos, smiles, and waves are common along the popular running routes. There is also an unspoken respect that shows the inclusiveness of the group. For example, if an overweight person is starting to run, the community will think that person is amazing for getting out there and doing something about it. In regard to the former, you will start to build confidence and receive a character boost when you discover what you can accomplish. Imagine that, along with stress-relief, you start to overcome obstacles and strive for greater achievements. You will also find that all these great benefits can be focused on improving other facets of your life.

So it is time - time to stop thinking and start doing. It is time to get out there and run. Like the sculptor, it's just a matter at chipping away the negative pieces and letting them fall to the wayside...and let that positive runner emerge.

See you at the starting line!