…I’ll also be the first to tell you that running isn’t for everyone.
--
As I waited at the crosswalk, my neighbor stopped to talk to me the other day. “How many miles a week do you run?” He asked.
“Thirty this week,” I replied.
“Not me,” he said. “I don’t run anymore.”
“I enjoy running,” I said. “But it’s not for everyone.”
Running is good exercise—for me, but it’s not for everyone. Some people aren’t physically able to run. Some people don’t have a physically safe place to run. Some climates are too harsh for running outside (too hot or too cold). Running hurts some people’s knees and backs and other things. Some people have injuries. Some people cannot see. Running is sometimes contraindicated by health conditions like long COVID, or eating disorders. In short, running is actually bad for some people.
God made our bodies to move. Running is the way I prefer to move mine right now. If you see me running, don’t envy me. Please don’t say, “I wish I could do that” and then do nothing. Do what you can. Move your body in whatever way is accessible to you. Enjoy living in this earthly vessel. Just please don’t do nothing. Movement is a gift, and that’s what I want to testify to, whether on the run or not. Movement is a gift from God, good for our spiritual, mental, physical, and emotional health. Enjoy movement, whatever form it may take. Just move if you can!
YES!
ReplyDeleteAs you know, I was really, really into running for many years and kicked back a slew of half marathons. Then I got burned out and moved away from running. I had a good life when I was running, and now I have a good life as a non-runner.
It used to irritate me when I would casually mention running and people said something negative like "oh good for you" in a sarcastic tone. Or sometimes they would get defensive as though me saying that I had gone for a run meant that everyone should run...it's a really odd conclusion for someone to draw.
Anyway, running is not for everyone but like everything else on the planet it is a joy at the right place and the right time. If I ever want to run again, I will, and in the meantime I enjoy living vicariously through my runner friends.
And you're a great example of finding joyful ways to move your body, whether it be your hiking adventures, biking during your weekend getaways, or just walking the doggo. Run again if it calls to you, but if not, just keep finding things to enjoy!
Delete