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Running is a sure-fire way to reconnect with all the good things in your life. It’s a way to remember what you have to be grateful for. And most importantly, it’s a reminder that you’re still alive.
My friend once told me, “I despise running.”
“My legs hurt, my lungs burn, and the whole time I’m in just pain. Why would I do that to myself?”
I get it. Most of the time, running sucks. It’s uncomfortable and usually pretty painful.
However, everyone that runs deals with these exact pains and discomforts. From newbies to experienced runners who’ve been pounding the pavement for several years. Regardless of your experience, running will humble you.
That’s the very nature of running — it’s oftentimes unpleasant. But in that discomfort are powerful lessons about life, gratitude, and perspective.
Your lungs are screaming for air. Your legs are burning and feel heavy. And the whole time, your brain is pleading with you to stop. It’s uncomfortable and painful — it sucks.
But that feeling — the feeling of suck — means you’re alive. It means you’re still breathing. You’re still kicking. You’re still on this earth.
That’s something to be grateful for — breath in your lungs. Don’t despise running just because it’s uncomfortable. Instead, be grateful for the opportunity to reconnect with the little things in life.
A breath of fresh air. A cool breeze of wind. The warm sun shining on your face.
There are always going to be hardships and difficulties in our lives. But running is a way to temporarily avoid the crap and just be. To be alone with yourself. With your screaming lungs and burning muscles.
To reconnect with what it means to be human.
Sure, running isn’t always enjoyable or fun. In fact, it’s usually painful and unpleasant. It sucks. But that feeling of your lungs burning or your muscles aching is a sign that you’re still alive.
Enjoy that feeling. Because tomorrow, it could all be taken away.