I found an article (quotes on this post taken from HERE) at runningtimes.com that finally made me understand my crazy mind a little bit more (I know most of you runners reading this have my exact same mindset so you are going to love this).
—————————————————————–
Do you ever find it hard trying to explain to non-runners why you love (or kind of like) waking up EARLY on a weekend morning to run in extreme temperatures for hours at a time?
(source)
Psychologist Milali Csikszentmihalyi said, “Contrary to what we usually believe…the BEST moments in our lives are not the passive, receptive, relaxing times. The best moments usually occur when a person’s body or mind is stretched to its limits in a voluntary effort to accomplish something difficult and worthwhile.”
Obviously, he is talking about a wide variety of professions, accomplishments, activities, sports and passions but I think what he said fits PERFECTLY with running.
(source)
This article had so many parts that I loved but I figure why paraphrase it when it said things so perfectly…..
“We have to make an intitial investment of energy to develop skills to the levels where we can accomplish tasks that inspire and hold our focus. For runners, that means doing the necessary training. The alternative is passive entertainment-skipping workouts to sit home and watch TV—which temporarily drowns out the chaos but produces no satisfaction or GROWTH. Those who DO invest themselves in difficult tasks–who grind out the mile repeats, who show up to race in the pouring rain—find the returns more than worthwhile. As Csikszentmihali reports, “The quality of experience tends to improve in proportion to the effort invested in it.”
(source)
These really smart people at Running Times are telling me that the more EFFORT that I put into developing a skill like running, the more enjoyment I will gain from it?!?! I am sold!
The reason we go to bed early the night before a run/race, the reason we get up before the sun and trudge through snow or sweat our brains out for hours each week is because of how amazing we feel when we ACCOMPLISH something . Knowing that we did something HARD and that we pushed ourselves to the next level gives us confidence.
People may think runners are crazy but I think that everyone has something in their life in which they make HUGE sacrifices in order to accomplish something that is difficult and gets them out of their comfort zones!
————————————————————
Do you agree…..have the best moments in your life been when you were out doing something that stretched your body or mind to it’s limits?!?!
Do the non-runners/worker-outers in your life think you are crazysauce for your love of running/working out?
-At first I think my parents thought I was a little off my rocker when I signed up to run 26.2 but now they understand why I love it so much.
What was your workout today?!?!
-I got in an early morning treadmill session in while watching BIGGEST LOSER!!
63 comments
Jillian
Thanks for the Post- This is excatly what i needed to read- Sometimes its just so hard to feel like going to the gym when noticing the difference or improvement are so small sometimes it doesn’t feel like its worth it. Thanks for the inspiration as always!!! and I agree- the more i push my body the more Awesome i feel when im done
YEY im the first to respond :)
Nicole
The best (running) moments are when I got through something that I didn’t think I could. Races, intervals, the I-just-don’t-want-to-do-this days.
The non-runners in my life try to tell me that beating up my body, killing my knees, joints, etc. Funny considering the non-runners are the ones with the health issues. Arthritis, knee replacements, back trouble. All non-runners. But I know it is their way of making themselves feel better about not being out there right beside me. Joints were designed for MOVEMENT, not sitting still.
Trainer session today. I felt strong, until he kept upping my weights.
The Kidless Kronicles
'Dee @ 'Dee's Garret
“Joints were designed for MOVEMENT, not sitting still.”
I’m stealing this phrase if that’s OK! I just got done *trying* to explain how running isn’t killing me to a sedentary person who’s already had a hip replacement at the age of 50. I gave up.
Nicole
I have the same argument with my MIL, who had both knees replaced and tells me running will do the same for me. Except she has never run a day in her life. Oh well, I learned a long time ago that some people will NEVER get it. But I will be able to be active and lively later in life because of the work I put in now.
Steal away! Thanks!
The Kidless Kronicles
Marilyn
I am not a runner. I’ve tried so hard to be one but I just can’t make myself like it. I did however do the Wonder Woman Century ride in Sept. and LOVED, LOVED, LOVED it! I wasn’t very fast but I finished and that was my goal since it was my first bike race. I can’t wait to do another one. Everyone told me I was cRAzY to ride 100 miles but I did it! I also teach Zumba, and although it’s a little different than pushing yourself physically like a marathon or century ride it took me a long time to get up the courage to try it. Now when I teach it’s the biggest high! Best job ever!!!
Erica
Your posts reminded me of one of my favorite quotes, “Life begins where your comfort zone ends.”
just a 3 mile joggy jog……..
Rosa - Fitness, Food, Fulfilled
Such a great post! I have the hardest time explaining that runner’s high and passion for running to those who don’t do it. There’s nothing I love more than seeing how hard I can push myself to see what I can accomplish. When I finished my first half with a sub 2 hours, I was so proud that I accomplished the goal I’d set for myself. It was the same when I finished the MBA program. It was all hard work, but so worth it. We’re not meant to be sedentary, lazy lumps!
lindsay
oh man, they nailed that one!! i love it. Not crazy anymore, haha. Thanks for this Janae. gonna bookmark it.
Laura
My co-workers think I’m nuts when I tell every morning how much I’ve ran already. They are like “you live 30minutes away from the office, why do you wake up at 6AM? To run? For what?”. They will never understand, but I wake up happy at its most.
Lindsey
I so agree with this! I love the feeling of knowing I have accomplished something I never thought I would of – running a full marathon! And every workout led me to that goal :)
Britt @ Chicago Runner Girl
I love this post! When my life plays back in flashbacks and I recall all of the greatest memories and moments that I’ve had, the majority of those moments where when I was grinding it out somewhere doing something physical. I have always felt that life is best lived experiencing things and trying something that sounds daunting or impossible. Thanks for sharing this wonderful article.
kari @ Running Ricig
A lot of my non-runner friends think I’m crazy, but people think I’m a little off in general, so they just go with it.
No workout for me today, taper means way too many rest days. I’m getting restless!
j.l.
My biggest accomplishment today was running my intended mileage knowing that it wouldn’t change the number on the scale. It was one of those days. But I ran. And yes, many people think I’m nuts for running, but they know I wouldn’t be the *wonderful* person I am without it :-)
Lauren
I love this! It rings so true for me, and I love that running enjoyment comes from pushing myself to MY limits. It’s such a great feeling after a long run, or a speed session, or just pushing through a difficult mile in a run.
dana @ my little celebration
Great post! I actually had an awesome run today for my workout. I set out to run as much as I felt like and ended up doing 5 miles! It felt really great, too!
Hooray for running!
Middleaged Runner
I LOVE THIS!!!!! I have many people say to me “you are crazy” and I always tell them not to knock it until they try it…
Nothing better than the feeling after a long run, a race, a PR…
My workout today? Trying to heal the inflamed tendon in my foot. Pleased to say that it is on the mend.
Bonnie
Great post, great article, great thoughts Janae! I totally agree with the idea behind the article and loved how you applied it to running. I really view a long weekend run as going out for an adventure like I’m on a journey – I have fuel to sustain me, a goal ahead, and focus while trying to enjoy myself the whole time. I LOVE this and enjoy spending my time out there moving so much more than a day of putting my feet up. The challenge definitely spurs me on.
This weekend I had SUCH a great moment and actually thought of you – I love to run long but have never run a marathon and my furthest distance ran before Sat. was 17 miles…I set out to try for 19, added some mileage as I was running (no Garmin just estimation for me) and ended up running 21.19 miles! I was SO proud. I felt great overall but when it got tough it really was that challenge that spurned me on…I wanted to add 5 more miles to complete the marathon but didn’t. Oh well – it was beautiful and fun and I am SO proud – kind of still riding high on that run. ;) I was pumped to read you and Billy ran 14 together – you’re getting back into longer distances! Take that, stress fractures (that’s what it was, right?)! :D Awesome. Happy recovery and happy running!
Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans
I think most non-runners think running is crazy but that’s ok because it actually makes me like it that much more! My favorite is running in the rain because of the “whoa, crazy chick on the loose” looks you get!! :)
Jaeme
I feel so good after any type of physical activity so I have to agree, those are some of the times when I feel the best!
I finally posted about your giveaway. I meant to a few days ago but it slipped my mind :).
Annette@EnjoyYourHealthyLife
SO true. I really do feel I can do anything when I stretch my limits and really reach/work hard for something. It makes it MORE worthwhile and enjoyable. I’d rather be out running/dancing/working out then sitting on my butt…. MOSt days. hehe :)
There is a time and a place for rest and relaxation, but once you felt the high of running/dancing, there is no going back!
karen @ La Chanson de Ma Vie
I explain my love of running to non-running friends that way. Each of us have something we love to do, whether it’s cook, watch movies, bike, etc. This is just what I love. :)
Kristen @ notsodomesticated
I think in the past, all of my best moments were when I stretched my mind … I was never athletic, so I was proud of my academic accomplishments. But now that I’ve started running, it’s the first time that I’ve stretched myself physically and I love it!! :)
Alecia@tincantreader
Love this post!
Anns
I totally just blogged about this topic this week. I have often had to explain to co-workers why I would want to get excited about something that makes me feel bad and leaves many blisters on my feet! They asked me again when I said I got up to watch the Chicago marathon. Thanks for posting this!
Corey @ Learning Patience
LOVE this article/post! I have a couple friends I am fwding this too… I totally agree 10000%. I pushed myself the other day to do a long run in the middle of the day in this crazy heat and got a PB. Love running….love it!
xoxo from Trinidad
Amy N.
Love, love, love this!
Kristin @ Everyday Is Run Day
Hands down some of my best life moments have been from reaching a running milestone (and there are always tears, so I know it means a lot to me!). It’s always tough explaining running love to a non-runner, but I like to tell them that running feeds my soul. I think most people (or at least hope most people) have found that thing in life that does this. Maybe for them its writing or playing an instrument or dancing or something else. For me, its running!
Zaneta
Not only does this apply to running, but to life in general! I LOVE it!
College right now is kicking my butt… it’s so hard… makes me think, wears me out by the time my classes are over… but I LOVE it!! I enjoy it and feel like it’s so rewarding… :)
same as my first 26.2 this Sunday… I LOVED working hard to train to get this far… i CAN’T wait til race day! :)
Chelsea
Oh what a wonderful post!! My finance still does not quite understand my love for the gym and cardio. If my body would allow me to, I would workout all day. I love pushing my body and feeling the endorphin rush afterwords. I think for me, running/working out is always something to strive for..you can always push yourself harder and longer.
Meagan
I love this! (And yay for Kara pictures!)
Kerry @ Half Healthy, Half Nuts
Great article and information! And YES, my non-running friends all think I am nutso for getting up at 4am for a half marathon or 6am on a Saturday for a long run before the sun gets too hot. And, yes, those are the days I feel most accomplished and subsequently happy. Plus, it’s always fun to be able to say “I ran xx miles today” too!
kaitlin @4loveocarrots.com
I love this! Yes in high school/college swimming and has early am practice my friends never got it and now that I workout at 5am before work they still don’t get me, but I don’t care I have blog friends who get me ;) and if I didn’t workout my friends wouldn’t want to be my friend b.c. I would lack serious endorphins :)
Workout =Hour strength training baby
Sheanna
BOY OH BOY! I needed to read that today! I have a real diabolical love/hate relationship with exercise….Before I do it, I DREAD it, while I do it I LOATHE it, but after I do it I’m GRATEFUL for it. When I exercise I never half-ass it (pardon me)…I always push myself as hard as I can. I’m often hard on myself if I don’t feel as though I performed to the best of my ability (even if I gave all I could).
I believe those statements are absolutely true. If I were to skip a workout to lay on the couch, I wouldn’t be gaining anything, and I would be so miserable with myself.
My workouts today were a 30 minute run (yes, I RAN) and Insanity!!!!!
Amylee
Such great comments in this! Work makes you appreciate things even more. Running=work. Thank you for sharing this.
Christine @ BookishlyB
To be honest, I really don’t love running. But I love eating what I want and knowing that I’m doing something good for my body. So I put on my shoes and turn on my treadmill!
Lilly
This is so great, love it! Somehow you have the power to put out the best posts at the best possible times :)I am recovering from some ankle problems and ran 5 today, only the third time running in about a month. I totally beat myself up over the fact that those 5 miles were hard and I used to run more than that easily. So thank you, this post made me come to my senses, I am just so happy to get to run again no matter how long/short fast/slow, I was running :)
'Dee @ 'Dee's Garret
Yes! THIS. Abso-freaking-lutely to question #1. There is something about the inner “boo-yah!” that comes from accomplishing something hard and often lonely. I didn’t expect to fall in love with running, but I did. Hard. Even though I’m not very good at it, I love it. Perhaps it’s that inner “boo-yah!”
Oh my gosh, way too true on question #2. When I described how I felt after my first half-marathon as equal parts “having been in a car wreck” and “feeling like I could fly”, my nonrunner peeps understood the car wreck part but could not fathom the flying.
And as for question #3 — today was my “rest day”, so my workout was a 30 minute walk with my sweet galoot doggie – a brisk walk through earthy autumn leaves at 5:00 a.m. when nearly everyone else is asleep? Perfect.
Now if I could just teach her to run with me without killing me or dragging me through the puckerbrush, we’d have the all-time best situation for morning runs :-) Someday, someday.
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen
Love this :) I think it’s possible to have great or “best” moments in both types of situations…passive and agressive. I’m not going to sit here and deny that laying on a beach with a drink in my hand somewhere in the tropics isn’t a “best” moment but, I absolutely agree with the sense of accomplishment that comes with stretching my body’s limits and pushing myself to new levels.
Laura (LunaChickRuns)
Great post! I have definitely had some of my greatest moments while pushing my body, whether it be running or scuba diving or anything else!
People still think I’m a little crazy, but I think that’s a good thing :-)
Catriona@ healthy for life
This is the BEST post ever!! So motivational!!
My family does think im crwzy for running but my dad and i are both runners so its ok :)
Lauren
I 100% agree! I love feeling strong and accomplished!!!
My workout today was a 14k (or 8.8 miles for you Americans :P) tempo run! It felt awesome!
Dani @ RunFitMama
Heck yes the best things in life are the things we work the hardest for. I think this applies to all my loves in my life- running and my baby (um hello, giving birth!).
Thanks for the great post. You always make me smile!
Kate @ Chasing It
YESSS!!!!! I totally 100% agree – if you don’t put anything IN to something, you’re not gonna get anything out of it! There are days where I have a sucky run, there are days where I just don’t wanna go out the door, there are days where I doubt myself….but when I finish a race with a PR? so worth it. I can’t really think of anything more satisfying than accomplishing something you’ve worked hard for!
My dad thinks I’m ridiculous for being a runner. He came to watch one of my track meets once ( I was running the 5k at an indoor meet), and as I passed him I saw him turn to my mom and go “she looks like she’s in pain….is that normal?” hahaha. thanks for reminding me dad…
My workout today = 6 ez miles and an arm workout that made me really sore!
Laura @ Backstage Balance
This is an awesome post! Thanks So much for this today.
I wholeheartedly agree with the statement – running does challenge us to grow. I fell in love with it over the summer while training for a marathon and I feel like a new person because of it. There are a few people in my life who understand the appeal of spending hours each week, and others who don’t understand at all. many of my coworkers seem curious and have asked questions. My greatest desire would be to inspire one of them to get healthy as well, to push them over the edge of making the decision for themselves.
Amanda@runninghood
GREAT Post here Janae. Yes, I agree…so much satisfaction comes from working hard for a goal!! We learn so much too.
Khushboo
Great post! This is exactly why I run- a non-materialistic source of satisfaction! it’s so rewarding to wseeyourself improving at something as time goes on! Many of my friends/family do think I’m nuts, I tend to get the “how do you run so much/enjoy running?”..When we we went on a family holiday this summer, I managed to fit in a run almost every day- not to balance out what I was eating but because it genuinely put me in the best mood for the day and made me feel alive…they didn’t get it, at all!
misszippy
I saw a sports psychiatrist last week b/c I’m so down w/o running in my life. He really helped me better understand why running does it for me (and all of us). Continual pleasure, that’s for sure!
I’m lucky b/c I live in an area where there are tons of runners and triathletes, so it’s not too hard to explain it all to others!
Katherine @ Neon Blonde Runner
Wonderful post— I always have such a difficult time putting into words what exactly it is that has made me fall in love with running!
Ali Mc
LOVE :) great post….I love running and those pros are right the more I do it the more I love it. I can’t wait to run today :)
Mara BHF
Absolutely …. all the best moments in life are when you are pushing yourself (physically, emotionally, mentally). Giving a presentation to big wigs at work, birthing a child, winning a race …
Work out … 6 miles, and weight lifting. Happy day.
Suzanne
Great post Janae!! On my run last night, I was thinking there is no better feeling than being in “marathon shape”. It takes a lot of hard work, energy, and effort… but it’s so worth it when it all comes together. You’re still planning on NYC, right??
Nicole
Thank you for this post, Janae! I run because it’s something I do for me. I can’t multi-task when I do it, either. It makes me feel strong and powerful. I love new challenges. I don’t really discuss the details of my marathons (miles run, type of run) with non-runners or anything. I have heard a lot of negativity in response, and honestly, I kind of don’t really want feedback from people who think running is stupid! So, I do my thing. I love it more than anything. I can’t imagine not running. I’ve been running for 15 years (the last 7, competitively) and it’s the best thing that ever happened to me (aside from marrying my wonderful husband).
I am in taper week now – marathon on Sunday! :) I love this sport.
Danielle
I LOVE IT!!! I have a hard time explaining why I love running so much, especially when Tripp has to hear me complain about sore muscles and injuries and tiredness…but it is the feeling of accomplishment and desire to run that makes me love it more and more :) thanks!
Andrea
Totally agree – the time investment is so worth the returns. Today I ran an “easy” pace that was, 3 years ago, not even a speed I would try to push! REWARDING!! Though, I would put moments with my husband or children in the “most rewarding” category.
I would say that most people think I’m crazy-sauce. I SO wish that I had a running/biking/workout friend in the real-real. I’ve even been sort of ignored in my Mommy Circle because I don’t think my non-exercising friends feel like they can relate to me.
Workout today: Power Bike Intervals (35min) and then a little run (15min easy, 2 monster hill climbs at the end.) Yay, for a Baby Brick Day!
Anne Marie
Girl you hit the nail on the head with this. Thanks so much for sharing!!!
Camille
Amen sister! This made me feel so much more SANE for doing such INsane things, like running for hours at a time.
Jina
Great post! And, great blog!
Katie May
honestly, one of the most memorable moments of my life was crossing the finish line of my first full marathon because I was so proud of myself! I think I called everyone in my cell phone to tell them about my accomplishment. this blog post is SO true! Great article, thanks for sharing :)
Holly
What an inspirational post!!!! Loved reading it & makes me realize EVEN more how much I love running & just the ability TO run.
Nicole @Sugar Coated Sisters
Oh man, if I got to the end of a race and saw that I sign I would get super frustrated!!
Melissa
There was a 21 year study from Stanford University that showed nonrunners are twice as likely as runners to be disabled from arthritis.
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/1,7120,s6-241-285–12232-0,00.html
Plus I have never been as happy as after my last marathon. I can’t wait for the next. It is the best feeling ever!
Joey
Great post. So true!
Janeen
This was for an assignment in school so its a bit wordy:
Thank you so much for posting this article! I can now kind of understand why I am the way I am. (I’m just happy that it wasn’t because I was dropped on the head by the doctor when I came out). You see, for someone like Kara Goucher or Shalane Flanagan who place in about every race they run, it’s a little bit understandable. But for a small town Idaho girl who’s main goal is just to finish the race without passing out, you wonder why spend so much time running that eventually you start talking to yourself to fight off boredom? Please tell me that I am not the only runner who talks to herself when things get a bit quiet?
My running story started in Jr. High. I liked to run and run fast, but I wasn’t too sold on the whole track idea. So my daddy and I made a deal where if I would run track, I would not have to move hand lines in the summer for him. I quickly donned on my running shoes. Thankfully my track coach recognized my speed and let me go for all those good old sprints. This didn’t continue on to high school. They decided to put me in long distance. I hated it my freshman year. I just focused on the 800 meter and doubted that I could even run a mile without stopping for a walking break. I decided that my sophomore year was going to be different. First, I started working out in the morning before school all during the school year. By the time track started, I was able to do our 2 mile “Fun Run” without a problem. Let’s just say that the rest of my high school years were filled with some mileage that hardly any of my other peers could boast about.
Coming from a self-proclaimed non-athletic family, I felt this sort of accomplishment when I did surprisingly well. My family soon caught on to this rush and now many of them are actively involved in running 5ks, 10ks, and triathlons of all sizes. Go team! Luckily it stuck with me long after my final high school track race. In fact, exactly a year after my senior State track meet, I was in the same town, running a half-marathon. And to think, it all points to one thing no matter the distance or time: ACCOMPLISHMENT.