Last week I wrote a blog post called Runners are Gross: 7 Things We Don't Tell You. My best friend read the article and said "You're not doing a good job in convincing me to become a runner!" She was kidding, of course, since she recently met her personal running goal of running one mile without stopping. Sounds like she doesn't realize I convinced her afterall. I'm sneaky like that, become my friend and I'll figure out a way to get you to run.
But her comment gave me an idea. Yeah, runners can be gross, but we're also pretty awesome. So in case it wasn't abundantly clear, being a runner is amazing! Here are seven reasons runners are awesome.
7 reasons runners are awesome
We are goal setters
Runners have an amazing ability to set goals and then smash them. I remember when it was a great accomplishment to run one mile. Then I wanted to run a 5K. Then a 10K. A half marathon seemed impossible, but I trained for it and achieved it. Runners keep setting bigger and bigger goals. Even if we don't achieve our goals in the timeline we expected we keep trying.
We overcome obstacles
Sometimes we get injured or deal with life issues that get in the way of our running, but we always seem to bounce back. Once we make running a priority in our lives almost nothing can stop us long term. We find a way. If I could apply one characteristic to runners it would be tenacity. We don't give up when the going gets tough. We all have good and bad days, but over the long term we keep going. We are a persistent bunch.
We have mental toughness
Running teaches us to deal with the hard times and work through them in running and in life. I'm not gonna lie, sometimes running sucks, but it is hard parts that make us great.
We are supportive and uplifting
I can honestly say that in all my years of running I have never come across a significantly negative or unsupportive runner or running group. Runners by large are welcoming, accepting, encouraging and supportive. It doesn't matter who you are, where you come from, how old you are, how much money you have or how many friends you have, chances are if you find a running group they will accept you with open arms. I have yet to see otherwise.
We have fun
Runners take fun to the next level. Why else would you dress in costumes and tutus to run a race? Runners may be focused and dedicated but they also have a knack for not taking themselves too seriously.
WE'RE HUMBLE
Just because I am listing 7 reasons why we're awesome doesn't mean we are not humble. Running gives us a ton of opportunities to practice humility. We fail, we fall, we cry, we stink, we crap our pants (wait. just me?) and we get hurt. That's just a few ways running humbles us.
We're Happy
Maybe it is the endorphins, but runners are generally a happy bunch. I think we make our own happiness by goal setting, overcoming obstacles and having fun! The same things that make runners awesome makes us happy.
Did I miss any? How else are runners awesome?
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I am a NASM personal trainer and RRCA adult distance running coach that specializes in strength training for runners. I offer in-person training in the Shredshed, online training and Fit to Run bootcamps. If you are interested in a more in-depth running or strength training plan, please contact me. Have questions? I'd love to help.
While I am a certified personal trainer, I am not your personal trainer. Since I don't know your exercise abilities, injury background or medical history, please see your doctor before beginning any new exercise program.
