How Running Makes Me My Own Best Friend – A Guest Post
Hi! I’m Katie, Runkeeper user, runner and the ‘Lifeofamissfit’ blogger. There are so many reasons running makes me my own best friend. Running isn’t just a form of exercise and I’m sure lots of people who’ve experienced what I do, would say the same.
I’ve had the funny looks in the street from people who don’t consider themselves a ‘runner’; notice I didn’t label them as ‘non-runners’, because even if you run once, you’re a runner. You don’t have to win some special running award or run 100 miles a week to certify. That’s not how it works. If you get some form of enjoyment from putting one foot in front of another, welcome to the club!
Anyway, I’ve also had the horn bleeps from the drivers in the vans and lorries. But I love it; running that is. Sometimes it’s a love-hate relationship, my legs would say.
But running isn’t just a way to keep ‘fit’ for me. It’s a form of self-love and I’d love to explain why.
The ‘moment’
Ah, the moment. It doesn’t happen every time you run. But often enough, you might experience this wonderful un-seen thing. Mid-run, you might be halfway through a playlist, going up or down a hill, but you’ll notice.
All of a sudden, you realise you’ve been in your head, almost daydreaming. It’s like you forgot you were running, went somewhere else with your thoughts, and then landed back in your body pounding the pavement.
I always say that’s when you know it’s been a good run. Because you become so engrossed into it, and into the rhythm of your steps. Your body’s beat moves (almost) perfectly in sync with your music if you’re listening, or the sweet tones of nature if you don’t.
Your best self
Sometimes they only last seconds… I wouldn’t know because you lose track of time! But it’s in those seconds that the magic happens. I’ll think my best thoughts. I’ll visualise my future.
I’ll dream of something I didn’t realise I wanted. I’ll come up with ideas I wouldn’t normally. I inspire myself! But I’m 28 at the time of writing, I’ve been running for years, and I’ve never found something else in life that gives me a level that running does.
Like Leona Lewis sings, “A moment like this”. Of course, things come close. I really enjoy the way pilates classes make me feel. I’m deeply proud of who I feel when I incorporate strength training into my running regime; it’s not just about the muscle.
But to instinctively smile when you’ve come out of that moment, despite the burn in your legs, and the sweat swimming on your skin’s surface, is quite something. It doesn’t matter if you’re on the treadmill, or outside, going leisurely or challenging yourself to get a good 5k timing.
Running can do amazing things for you. It does for me. The fresh air and cardio help for sure. I’m sure my older self will thank me now. But those moments allow me to stay in touch with the best form of me. Welcome in the helpful thoughts, new ideas and dreams of the future. Bring her out of her shell.
