American author Carlos Casteneda once said, “The basic difference between an ordinary man and a warrior is that a warrior takes everything as a challenge while an ordinary man takes everything either as a blessing or a curse.” Runners are warriors. Each time we step out the front door for a run we think of it as a challenge. A good challenge. Maybe the challenge will be to run faster, stronger, longer. Or maybe we’ll challenge ourselves to notice the beautiful scenery along the run. Or maybe we’ll challenge ourselves to solve that problem at work while on the run. Or maybe we’ll challenge ourselves to do absolutely nothing other than enjoy the run.The challenge is what drew me to running. I was never a big team sports player, but I did love competition. Sounds odd, but I discovered, I loved competing with myself, striving to do better each run. Once I had the confidence to compete with myself, I realized there actually was a warrior within me. Once you realize this inner warrior exists, suddenly you’re more confident in many other areas of your life. I never thought in a million years, I’d be a personal trainer, much less the owner of my own studio. It was running that opened that door.
The many “RunnerDude’s Runner of the Week” stories I've posted on this blog are proof of how over and over running has reshaped the lives of so many individuals. It’s helped individuals grieve the loss of a loved one. For some it’s been the means of weight loss, lowering cholesterol, dealing with depression, getting off various medications, and/or no longer having adult onset diabetes. It’s helped parents become healthy role models for their children. It’s helped others strive to prove they can when many have told them that they can’t. All of these individuals are warriors. Running warriors.
Running. It’s amazing what just putting one foot in front of the other can do for a person. The doors it can open. The people it brings into your life. The opportunities it provides. The health benefits it sustains. What are you waiting for? Go run!
15 comments:
I can't! I'm tapering! Gragh!
Hi Lauren! That's your challenge...to rest and give your body that needed break. :-)
Hi Josh! Dig another hole for Iris!
And so many people think "running is boring"...Great post Thad! If those who do not run or exercise vigorously only knew how much benefit they could gain that is beyond the physical benefits. It's a way to tap into that "warrior within" and make your entire life better. We who enjoy running are so fortunate to be experiencing this in our lives.
Hi Eric! Welcome to the blog!You hit the nail on the head....we are very fortunate indeed. Enjoy your 4th!
Most days, I do feel like a warrior. Today, I lost the battle. But, being the warrior that I am, I'll be back at it tomorrow.
Hi Cynthia! You'll be back to warrior status in no time. No doubt!
Very true, but not today it's a swim/kettlebell day.
Glad I read this later in the day. I did 10 miles this morning, leaving the house at 5:45am. Now to taper to the big race on Sunday! WOO HOO!!
Amen!
Wow, I love this! It always helps me to think of things as a challenge. Like eating good for a week or a day. I like thinking of myself as a warrior!
What am I waiting for? To finish reading your awesome kick butt post. Great post Runnerdude. The first time I ran I thought I looked retarded at my 13 minute mile pace, but I realized very quickly that running isn't about any one else but me, and so I pressed on. Must have been that "Warrior Within". Thanks for this posts and all your many others that have helped me and encouraged me to get my butt moving. Now, I will go run. Cheers.
I aqua jogged for 2 hours on Saturday. No ipod, no one to keep me company. I am a studly Warrior :-)
Awesome post man!
I believe that walking out the front door to go for a run is the start of an adventure every time. The warrior within is just itching to get out and show off :)
I ran over 50 miles on Sunday and felt like a warrior the whole time. My wife ran five of those miles with me and I could see it in her eyes that she as proud of that distance as I was of mine. Got to love this sport!!!
Hey Noah! You da man! 50 miles! WeeDoggie! You are definitely a warrior! But you're right...any distance is warrior status. Just getting out there and "doing it" is what makes a warrior! Kudos to both you and your wife!!
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