Running is simple: one foot in front of the other, over and over again. It is such an elementary skill, yet imbued with lessons that can help us to train for the challenges that life presents us.
I started running when I was 16 purely because I was bored of watching my brother run around in circles with his school training group. I joined in to keep myself occupied, and it didn’t disappoint; I was the only girl running with a group of teenage boys! But really, apart from collecting copious amounts of colourful running shoes and activewear, it is from that first training group where my love for running started. Throughout the last 14 years, I have found that running mirrors life in so many philosophical ways. I know that with each pair of running shoes I wear out, I gain a deeper perspective on life’s journey. Here are some of the things I’ve learnt so far:
Comparison is the Thief of Joy
There is always going to be someone who is faster, in better shape, or stronger than you.
Throughout the early months of 2018, before I started with Purdue Performance, I did a lot of my running with a group of close mates who are all significantly faster than me. At first, I questioned myself as to why I was joining them for run sessions. I was always at the back of the pack, chasing their tail. However, with their guidance, I hit some solid sessions and ran my first half marathon! Here, I quickly learnt that you’ve got to focus on what’s in front of you, not on who’s beside you. It’s you versus the world. Hence, like in running, results in life come from having the ability to apply your precious energy where necessary, and the worth you give to pushing yourself.
An Everyday Achievement
My alarm goes off at 4:50am every morning. I allow a cheeky 10 minute ‘snooze’, then I roll out of the bed for a quick change into my running gear. By 5:20am, I am out the door with my bags in hand, ready for a run. My routine. Every day. Some people would say that getting out of bed at that time is an achievement in itself, but even fewer actually reap the reward of watching the Harbour silhouetted by the breathtaking Sydney sunrise.
If ever I’m feeling like a sleep in, I say this to myself:
“Wake up every morning with a good attitude and a run, because every day that you witness the magic of a sunrise, will give you another day to appreciate…”
And with this mantra, I am able to remind myself that all the early nights and dark mornings are worth it.
Through these philosophies that I have learned from my 14 years of running, I have realised that the more I embrace every painstaking mile, the further I flourish.
Purdue Performance – Quick Fire Questions
1. Favourite Race : Park Run
2. Favourite Post Race Food : Pancakes
3. Hardest Thing I Found Out About Running : The importance of easy run days!
4. Favourite Film : The Departed (2006)
5. Pre-Race Song : Anything uplifting by Sia (need some girl power before a race)
6. Running Superstitions : I always enter in a race at the last minute so I don’t jinx the entry by getting injured
Instagram: @megan_anne
