Whoever said running was a cheap sport clearly wasn’t a runner. Just like I totally had myself convinced I could have made it to the Olympics on the badminton team…until I saw a REAL badminton game and realized how my backyard skills couldn’t even compare (even if I did dive for the birdie on occasion). I didn’t know what I was talking about, just like someone who has casually gone for a casual jog here or there might think running is a “cheap” sport. No, unless you are a true barefoot runner not in need of new shoes every 300-500 miles, who does not need to know your exact pace/distance/position in the universe at any given time just with a glance at your wrist, prefers old t shirts and sweat pants to sweat wicking anything, thrives on water and couldn’t care less about trying the latest must-have-guaranteed-to-not-cause-a-bonk-nutrition product, and would never dream of wasting $100 to run with 25,000 of your closest friends for a $5 medal and bragging rights, then maybe, running might be inexpensive. If you are like me, however, who stalks the pages of runners world like I did the Sears Christmas toy catalog as a kid, making a mile long list for Santa (only instead of Barbies and baby dolls it’s running skirts and “must-do races”), then running is a disgustingly expensive sport. So don’t believe the “easy and inexpensive” lies.
But here is something that running IS: reliable.
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| New Hampshire, North Pole, same thing, right? |
No matter where you go, you can almost always run. I mean, sure, there are a *few* exceptions. Say, the middle of the Atlantic Ocean (though, I’ve heard there are running tracks on cruise ships, so don’t rule it out. ) But people run in the Sahara Desert, and people run the North Pole, and people run Mt. Everest…and even though I’m slightly dreading it even I can run a winter in New England (my fingers are cold just typing it). Point being, if there is a will, there is a way, and wherever you are, running will always be right there waiting for you.
And though it has taken me the entire five years of my running “career” to realize that, I now understand that is the exact reason I love it so much. It’s not the medals (though I looove the medals), it’s not the PR’s, it’s not the friendships and camaraderie. Those things are all amazing, for sure, but they are not what draws me inexplicably to this sport. I love running because running is ALWAYS there. Always. I love running because running has never let me down. Whenever I need it, it’s right there. Whatever I need to get out of it, I get. Running is never jealous, running is never resentful, running is never selfish. Running is not always kind, as many runs in the past have proven, but it is never angry, hurtful, spiteful, or vindictive. It never questions my motives, my desires, my drive. Only I question those things about myself. And therefore, when I run, I learn. I learn things about myself that are silenced when I’m weeding my way through the chaos that is day to day life as a mom, student, employee, etc.
Running is my constant. Ol’ reliable.
Life is crazy and unpredictable. Especially my life, especially as of late. But the one thing I can always count on is the ability for running to ground me, to clear my head, to bring me back to “me”. It allows me to give my all and to be incredibly selfish all at the same time. To work out my frustrations with every single foot fall on the pavement or trail. If I’ve said it once I’ve said it a thousand times on this blog: running is cheaper than therapy. And unless you have felt it, you can’t understand it. Like food, water, and air, I need to run. Am I Heather, obsessed with running?
Nope.
I am Heather, and I AM a runner. Take me or leave me.
I have found running again this week. In the midst of hives, health issues, etc., running with the dog in beautiful fall weather has brought me a lot of joy!
Awesome post Mama!! I am happy that you find reliability in running (and your running friends =) ) You will love running in the cold, I promise. Maybe not everyday, but b/c like the rest of us that crave that run everyday, in every environment, you will come to love the serene of a cold, sunny day….or in snow, when you hear nothing, but see only snowflakes. Break out those Yaktrax!!
Happy running, girl. Been thinking about you. 😉
I loved running outdoors in the winter sunshine in a few inches of fresh snow.
Great post. Loved it.
HUGS! I wouldn’t want you any other way than exactly as you are Sister! I’m Holly, I am a Triathlete and I love my running sister Heather who is obviously born to run fast but never hold running slow against me because she always waits for me at the finish line!
so so true, and I have a friend who did a lot of his marathon training on a treadmill on the ship he was doing his research on.
Take running everywhere is my motto, I always pack some running gear whenever I go away, no need for gyms or expensive sports facilities.
I think the more you run the more expensive it gets! You start out with the shoes and before you know it you “need” everything running related! Cold weather running isn’t so bad. It is a lot better than heat and humidity. Hope Santa brings you some good cold weather gear for Christmas.
Heather this is so true!!! I think so many reasons I have come to love running are the reasons you described! I’m in control!!! Life so often leaves me responding to it- but running- I set the pace, the goals, te achievements! And it is a great therapy! I had no idea the mental, emotional and spiritual effects it would have! Jenn, Ruths-road.blogspot.com
Well said!!! Running is always right there for me and has gotten me through some very tough times these past few years!!
Running in New England is cold yes but so worth it! Just bundle up!!
i’ll take it! Running is always there, and that’s a good thing.
So true! Running has been my constant companion through a lot of highs and lows. It helps to keep me balanced.
Nothing wrong with a love letter to your ol’ reliable! Love it!
So true!! Great post Heather!
Can I get an Amen?!? I loved this post. I run in Northern Utah, all winter long, and LOVE it. Yak traks are great, and I love the serenity that comes with winter. I’ll take it over heat and humidity any day. Great post. Right on though, it is NOT cheap, yet like you said, always cheaper than therapy 🙂
I think I have a friend who’ll be running the half. I’m the same way- lived in upstate NY for most of my life, but didn’t get into road races until moving away and now I miss running up there in the brisk fall weather! I think no matter what you do, you’ll knock it out 🙂 Good luck!