Running is/isn’t easy.
Running a 5K is/isn’t easy.
Running a marathon is/isn’t easy.
***
Over the last three years I’ve made many friends in the running community – runners of all shapes and sizes, skills and experience. Physically, for some, running is a natural gift; for others, it is a concerted daily effort. For some, running is easy; for others, not so much – but surprisingly, it doesn’t always break down along the “physically gifted/not so gifted” lines.
Running is a physical activity that taxes your muscles, heart and lungs. The faster you go, the harder your body must work – your muscles burn, your heart beats faster and your lungs strain to keep up with the demand for oxygen.
But what if I told you that running is more mental than anything else. What if I told you that being a “good runner” was more about what’s between your ears instead of how strong your legs are or how much blood your heart pumps or how much air your lungs can take it.
Running comes down to two things – discipline and joy. Do you have the mental discipline to put one foot in front of the other and can you find the joy in each one of those steps.
If you can consistently do both, happiness, particularly in how you see/feel about yourself, is not too far behind.
Run Luau Run 
so true.
I completely agree, although I must remind myself. I run intervals every Tuesday night with a group of people composed of about 85% 5-8 minute milers ….. and ME (between 10 and 11). They could be jerks about it but without exception they are always happy to see me and supportive. Puts the “joy” into the “discipline.”
ugh just got back from a short treadmill run at crunch since its across the street from my office in Noho.I cut the run short to get back to the desk in time for a delivery which was due at 12. 12:57 and still not here. Darn I should have gone that extra proverbial mile. Instead gonna eat a fattening lunch! My last hurrah before doing the gfcf thing with my daughter. I am willing to go a lot of extra miles for that if it will help us in the long run (no pun intended)
OK send me your phone no so I can text you when you get to nyc. ;> LLB
AMEN to that!!
Well said!
and you have both, discipline and joy…not always at the same time though right?? I find joy in your blogs (and the wifes) and as far as the discipline goes……
This entry reminds me a lot of “Brain Training for Runners” by Matt Fitzgerald. He states that the brain is the most overlooked and under-trained organ for runners…
One more reason to love you!
Yes yes and yes.
So true 🙂