Happy Wednesday! We are already halfway through the week. That is reason to celebrate right!?

This week has been going much better so far than the previous. I’ve been re-focusing on a few key areas and changed things up a bit and so far it has really helped me. More on that in an upcoming post.

Today I thought we’d lighten things up a little bit. I’ve been thinking a lot recently about things that people don’t seem to understand about runners. I’ve learned from firsthand experience that a lot of people aren’t going to understand, and that’s okay. Here are a few things I would share if I were talking to others about why I run.

It’s Not Easy

I’ve found over the years that people seem to think that since I run a lot that it means running is easy for me. Wrong, wrong, wrong. There are days when it feels as if this is the first day I’ve ever ran. In fact, there is only 1-2 times per week I’d say I have a great run.

It is most definitely not an every day occurrence.

I’m Not Crazy

No really, I’m not. I know a majority of people look at me like I’m crazy. They can’t even understand why I get up at 4:00 am every morning to run. Have you tried to run in 90 degree heat after work? No thank you. I know people look at me like I’m crazy sometimes, but even on those hard days I love it!

It’s More than Calorie Burn

There was a time where running was a form of calorie burn for me. I went out every day to burn the calories and that was it. I didn’t care what pace I was running or how far I went. Now, running isn’t about calorie burn. Sure it helps to keep me in shape but I have goals and dreams that I want to hit and that is the reason that I go out there every day.

That is the reason I am constantly on the look out for better ways to fuel my body and get stronger. It’s not to lose weight it’s to become the best runner possible.

It’s About Community

One of the amazing parts of running is the community that it establishes. Running has allowed me to meet some pretty great friends. This community isn’t just about having fun it’s also about supporting one another and helping each other. We all go through the same struggles, having someone to share it with it makes it even more special!

It’s More Than Running

I’ve got a long ways to go, but every day I learn something new about running. One of the big things I’m learning is that running is about so much more than running. It’s about mental toughness, it’s about patience, it’s about consistency, strength and so much more.

Running has changed more in me than many other things. That’s why when you see me out there running, it’s about so much more than that.

Those are just a few of the pieces of my running that I wish I could share with others. Sure, some people are always going to look at me like I’m crazy, and that’s okay.

What do you wish others would understand about your running?

What has running taught you?