Summary

The author reflects on their transformative relationship with running, evolving from initial disdain to deep affection and respect.

Abstract

The article is a personal narrative detailing the author's complex relationship with running. Initially, the author viewed running as a mere tool for weight loss and disliked the physical discomfort it brought. However, as they spent more time running, the author began to develop a fondness for the activity. The relationship matured, and running became a source of strength, patience, and self-discovery. The author acknowledges the challenges and injuries faced, which taught them valuable lessons about respecting limits and the importance of self-care. Ultimately, running has become an integral part of the author's life, helping them overcome social anxiety and fostering personal growth.

Opinions

The author initially hated running, finding it physically taxing and unpleasant.
Despite the discomfort, the author persisted with running for its weight loss benefits.
Over time, the author's perspective shifted, and they began to enjoy running, forming a deeper connection.
The author learned to respect running's demands, realizing that pushing too hard leads to injuries and mental exhaustion.
Running is personified as a teacher, imparting lessons on patience, grace, strength, and emotional intelligence.
The author expresses regret for neglecting self-care and not respecting running's boundaries during times of personal struggle.
Running is credited with helping the author overcome a fear of people and develop a brave heart.
The author now chooses to run out of desire rather than necessity, indicating a profound love for the activity.

Dear Running

A love letter

Dear Running,

When we first met in South Africa in 2006, I couldn’t fathom how much you’d impact my life in the years to come.

We had a rough start. Our first dates didn’t go well. In fact, I downright hated you.

I hated how you gave me a racing heart and a head so hot; it felt like exploding after spending only 10 minutes together.

I hated how you left me breathless, how my legs ached. How stiffness and pain reminded me of our date long after we parted.

And yet, I did come back. Day after day. Again and again.

But not because I loved you, running.

I came back because I wanted to lose weight. You were just a means to an end.

I needed you, but I didn’t want you.

At least, at first.

Since we spend almost every morning together, I had a lot of time to get to know you better. And slowly, I grew more comfortable with you.

I don’t remember the exact day I realized I had a crush on you. I think at first I didn’t want to admit it — even to myself.

Like a teen secretly in love, I tried to hide my growing love for you. When shopping with my guest family, I sneaked along the newspaper shelves to spot any running magazines. I wouldn’t tell people that the reason I got to bed at 09:00 pm on a Saturday was that we had a date on Sunday morning. In fact, I never talked about you at all.

With time my love grew. Our relationship matured. I learned your language and I learned to respect you. I asked questions, and most importantly, listened.

You never made it easy for me, though. You taught me to respect you and honor your principles by showing me promptly when I wanted too much of your time, too soon. When I tried to progress our relationship too quickly. When I was too clingy.

It was then when you rewarded me with ankle pain, knee pain, lead-heavy legs, and mental exhaustion.

Of course, I tried to blame you.

I wanted to be smarter and tougher than you. I wanted to prove myself against you. I tried to outrun the pain.

But I could not win this fight.

Every time I tried to outrun an inflamed ankle, a personal hurt, my anxious mind, you showed me deeper bruises I would need to attend to.

That’s how you taught me patience and grace.

You gave me tough love to show me how strong I can be. You taught me how to dance between fear and bravery. You taught me how to feel and to allow myself to feel every emotion.

When I am with you is when I feel alive.

I also need to apologize, running.

I apologize that I pushed you away when I was struggling to eat. I apologize that I let myself become too weak to keep our relationship strong. That I couldn’t show up for you the way you showed up for me.

And I thank you that you gladly welcomed me back once I felt better. That you reward me with always being there for me, listening. That you continue to teach me. You always remind me that I need to take care of myself if I want this relationship to last.

Running, I wouldn’t be who I am today without you.

You helped me get over my fear of people. You showed me how to develop strength and a brave heart. I have grown because of you.

Today, running, I don’t need you anymore. But, I want you.

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