An unconventional approach to Running
Have you ever wondered what other people think of you when they see you run
Have you ever wondered what other people think of you when they see you running down a street, in front of their houses, or when you bump into them on trails? THEY DON’T CARE.
But what if those people are close friends or loved ones? They do not care either. No one really cares about your running.,
Those people, instead, do care about you being happy. And they won’t measure your happiness through stats on Strava or by reading your personal bests at races.
I am not jealous of a friend who runs a sub 37′ 10km. I am glad if he centered his goal, but that’s it. I don’t find it exceptionally inspiring. I am, rather, jealous of a friend who spent a long day with a big group exploring the world’s beauties, enjoying life. I’m talking about that hate-free, happy-for-you jealousy, which hones my connection to this person, and pushes me to join her activity next time, or even inspired to create my own.
Inspiration is the key.
Our modern society focuses primarily on motivation and too little on inspiration. You can find motivation everywhere, digest it in a bombardment of books, speeches, music, videos and go-hard or don’t bother philosophies. But does this content inspire you? If you become a little faster, perform better, will you be happier?
Whenever someone asks for training advice about running, my point of view always stays the same: Have fun. Enjoy running, gasping, sweating, looking around, and greeting people you’ll meet on your way. Talk to those you are running with even when strained lungs tell you not to speak, listen as their stories unfold further with each step, and share feelings and emotions in collective solitude. Allow yourself to forget about time as you devour encounters with scenic beauty that you need to be still to truly see. Try not to judge yourself, and avoid sticking to a strict plan. It is a game. Running is only a game, a game you can’t lose as long as you continue to play.
As amateurs, we aren’t paid to run, so we don’t need to act professional or disciplined. We already have our full-time jobs for that. Running is a game, a distraction, and sometimes a drug, but a good drug, like music, that doesn’t cover pain, but lets you experience it as a temporary companion on the path to stunning joy.
I don’t need someone telling me to push harder on a climb, but I will be grateful if they tell me how amazing the view will be on top of that hill.
And so, if it doesn’t serve your soul, if it doesn’t inspire you, leave all the push-hard, stay hard, judgement-based bullshit at the trailhead and start your quest for happiness by reconnecting with your nature.
