What running has taught me
Back in mid-January 2026 I signed up for my first 10k running event in late September and bought myself a pair of running shoes. I had never been in a running event before, nor had I ran much before or hardly ever. Last year I weighed the heaviest I have ever weighed, was in the worst shape I had been in in years, and wanted to develop better endurance for hiking. I had heard of the many benefits of running and figured I would give it a try, why not?
Recently while on a run, a realization came to me. I’d been using these mantras “Just do it” and “I’m going to keep showing up.” I realized that what running has given me is the proof that I can do hard things. It has helped me learn to sit in the discomfort. To push myself past limits beyond what I thought I could. And that despite the discomfort, I’m going to keep showing up for myself because I have now seen and experienced the benefits on the other side time and time again. But it’s also expanded on my ability to check in with myself in ways that I had learned in yoga, developed during hiking/skiing etc and been able to put into practice on a regular basis through running. I’ve been able to check in and have a better idea of when I can push my body more or when it’s the right time for my body to slow down or simply rest. I’m so thankful for this. Why you ask? Because I had never been pushed in this way while growing up. When I was a child I was never in organized sports. I dabbled a few times but could never commit. And instead of having a conversation with me and/or encouraging me to give things one more try, my parental figures just let me quit things all the time. I never learned how to celebrate the small and big wins. I was never challenged to be uncomfortable in healthy ways. I’d say the closest thing was when I was in theater, dance teams and with choir. Those were the few moments when I was participating in activities that I enjoyed and where I was surrounded by people who encouraged me to try. I wouldn’t say it was anything profound but I did find some support during those activities.
I also didn’t have examples of family members living healthy lifestyles. I heard about relatives being active during their childhood. But otherwise as adults I saw them practicing unhealthy eating habits and recreational activities were done infrequently. Being physically active was not a regular part of our daily lives. I was taught to over indulge, and witnessed the ease of “treat yo self” as if it should occur whenever possible. I did not see examples of hard work or the pursuit of a goal and being rewarded for it.
It was not until I began dating my husband did I come across anyone who would be inspired, create a plan and see it through (regarding a physical goal). When I first met Joe I remember we both were reluctant to become an official/exclusive couple because we lived on two different sides of the Sierra Nevada and we both had plans we had been working towards that neither one of us were willing to give up. In the end I think that’s what we admired about each other. He was preparing to hike the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) the following summer and I was gearing up to work a summer season as an interpretive naturalist in Yosemite Valley. Both of which had been long term goals of ours that we had been anticipating for quite some time. I’m happy to report that Joe did his thru hike in summer 2019 and I did in fact become an interpretive guide.
After a year of long distance, me and Joe moved in together 4 months prior to the start of the pandemic. During the pandemic he would invite me to go on hikes with him. And I remember feeling a ton of imposter syndrome since he had completed a pretty intimidating thru hike having walked from the Mexican border to the Canadian border. Whereas I could barely name any hikes I had completed that were longer than 4-5miles. And although I told him I couldn’t make any promises that I would become a hiker, I did tell him I’d be happy to try. He reassured me that we could begin with walks, no pressure. And if in my own time I developed an affinity for hiking then great. And if not, that was okay too. Hiking and learning how to ski during those first couple of years of us dating is what set the foundation for me to be where I am today. Without those experiences I do not think I would have gained the confidence to attempt running regularly, let alone sign up for a running event. I want to give a big shout out and thank you to my husband Joe. And most importantly to myself and my body. Joe's patience, support and encouragement is a big part of why I have been able to achieve much of the accomplishments I have.
I’m so thankful to physically be able to run. Despite the physical benefits, I’ve gotten a taste of the runners high you hear so much about. But it is not only during the run, it also occurs for some time after the run as well. Running has inspired me to develop healthier lifestyle habits and be less interested in unhealthy habits. For example, I’ve cut way back on drinking because I do not want to be dehydrated when I am active. And instead of chasing temporary highs in social settings, I’d rather chase the high I get from the rush of endorphins exercise gives me. Because, the benefits and lasting effects from exercise are much more preferred than the days of hangover recovery.
So, thank you running for the balance you have introduced into my life. For encouraging me to practice yoga regularly, wake up early to exercise not only so that I can beat the heat but also because I am able to make the most out of everyday, and the other activities I’ve included in my weekly rotation that makes me a stronger runner but overall healthier being. I’m extremely proud of myself for pushing through when things get hard. It is something I learned while hiking, but has been solidified through running. I can’t wait to see what else me and my body can accomplish now!
P.S.: I am completing this blog as I am recovering from shin splints and having to take a hiatus from running, which makes me kind of sad to be honest. Never thought I’d say that.
