Involvement: to commit emotionally
Anyone that dives into running will almost always form a love/hate relationship with running. In the beginning, there might be a lot more hate than love. Involvement in the sport of running, though, somehow transforms that hate into love — if you don’t quit after your first run or race.
The ‘dance of love’ has different themes and moods, just like every relationship has its highs and lows. Enjoy the high moments and hang-on during the downtimes. The diverse range of emotions is the experience that builds you two. Your ability to perfectly switch between these moments and make the best out of the one you find yourself per time, proves that you are not only involved in the relationship like the chicken is in the business of making eggs but also very committed to it like the pig is in the business of making bacon.
–Olaotan Fawehinmi
Running, on its surface, seems easy: lace on some shoes (or not) and just start running.
If you can commit and continue your involvement with running, you’ll have good times and just okay times and maybe even some really, really bad times. Those bad times will involve the times you cannot run — something, as a new runner, you can’t even fathom.
As a new runner, you’re more likely to feel relieved at the thought of not being able to run. Not having to take the time, to do the laundry, to feel the soreness. But if you keep at it, you’ll find that the very worst thing a runner can hear is that they can no longer run.
There is nothing that makes you want to do something more than the thought that you can’t do something.
Embrace every good opportunity you encounter; some will get you informed; others will get you inspired… Some will get you involved and others you make you improved
–Israelmore Ayivor
Involvement in running will inspire you and improve you — that’s a pretty awesome payback for some time and movement invested.
Tell me in the comments:
Has your involvement in running been positive?
What other involvements bring your joy? Inspire you?
Chocolaterunsjudy 
I really think running changes you in more ways you can imagine! No matter what my fitness activitiy of the day, inside I am a runner.
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Yes, it’s absolutely been an amazing journey. And hopefully will continue to be!
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Even after I’ve had a bad run, I focus on all the good runs I’ve had. I wouldn’t say I have a love/hate relationship with running at all. Running has rewarded me more than I ever dreamed.
They can’t all be good runs, but there’s always something good in every run.
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Maybe it’s harder for people whom running doesn’t come naturally to.
Don’t get me wrong — I know you have faced a LOT more problems with running than I have in the last few years, but you’re also a naturally talented runner. I am not.
Of course we all have to work hard at it (I just know this reply won’t come across the way intend it).
Anyway, words are just not flowing so I guess I’ll shut up now. 🙂
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I’m guilty of saying I loved every step any time I write a race recap. It’s the way I feel. Even though I may experience some not-so-great moments, overall I’m always pleased. Because…#ilovetorun! Speaking of #hashtags, you should create a super cool hashtag for the girls race weekend you are organizing before you actually get to the event. #priorhostessfail LOL!!
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I have definitely had races where I did not love every step. The really hot, humid ones that suck the life out of me (and no shade) — seriously, I don’t enjoy that. Good thing I don’t live where you do!
And the painful ones? I can deal with some amount of pain, but I can think of 2 races that were totally miserable (at least part of them) and even worse, one prevented me from running for quite some time — even walking without pain.
I don’t consider myself a pessimist (although maybe Mr. Judy is rubbing off), but I didn’t enjoy those races. Did something good come out of them? Yes. And I guess sometimes you have to learn stuff the hard way.
I’m not really good at super cool . . . and I’m not the hostess, although I did get the ball rolling!
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Never being athletic growing up and being labelled the kutzy one, running have given to feeling of success because you are measured against your own age. Love those AG awards.
I started playing tennis at 2.5 level and I’ve maxed out at the 3.0 level LOL. I broke my foot waterskiing. And yes I did fall off the SUP 2x.
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As Wendy and Holly have said. I’ve never hated running. Even those disappointing and painful races. I still enjoyed them. Go figure.
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Some people are masochists. 🙂
But seriously, I KNOW there are other people out there with a love/hate relationship with running. They’re just not seeing this or admitting to it.
I can tell you for sure — those hot humid races without enough water? No, I did not enjoy them. Well, at least not after they ran out of water . . .
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I have never hated running…but I have hated some runs. Even though I usually learn something positive from any negative experience…it’s not always an easy-peasy over the rainbow experience. But, every “low” I’ve experienced has made me stronger for the fight.
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Oh, I definitely always learn something from the bad runs/races. Nothing worthwhile is easy.
But I’m not gonna lie and say I enjoy running dehydrated on a sunny, unseasonably warm day because an aid station ran out of water or cups. Or that I love running when it’s extremely painful.
Maybe there are runners that do — but I don’t!
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My involvement in running has definitely been very positive for me! In addition to it keeping me fit, I’ve met so many new friends as a result of running – like you! 🙂
Thanks for linking up, Judy!
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