What I’ve Learned from 40 Years as a Runner

I ran my first race when I was 9.  Not particularly strong in throwing or catching, and with a dad who loved sports, he had me run in a track meet to see how I’d do.  With no training, I ran a 400 – 1 full lap around the track.  I don’t remember it, but I do know I didn’t hate it and I wasn’t terrible – a significant improvement over those sports that did require catching and throwing!

From there my dad coached me.  Friends and my brother joined me, and we ran track meets all over the state of Kansas and beyond.  I ran cross country and track in high school and college and then slid right into road races, completing my first marathon at age 22.

Marriage, five kids, a myriad of jobs and moves, and I kept running.  My afternoon adventures gave way to early morning exercising, and short runs became long runs that became short runs once again.  I’ve swam, biked, aerobicized, tai-bowed, rowed, and lifted, but running continues to be my first love. And my first love has taught me some valuable lessons….

If you like it, figure out a way to keep doing it. 

I didn’t plan on becoming an o’dark thirty runner.  But that’s what time worked with all those little people at my house, so that’s when I ran.  And after a while, that’s what I preferred.  It took planning (and still does), but if you really want to make something fit, you figure it out.  You schedule it, and you rarely regret it.  Even at 5:00am.  

Shoes matter.

I love shoes.  Sandals, boots, booties, heels…… and running shoes are no different.  If you don’t have good shoes, running is awful.  I would never spend on regular shoes what I spend on good running shoes.  But they are the difference between running and feeling good, and hobbling, being sore, having blisters, and misery.  I’m a firm believer in getting fitted at a reputable running store and buying good shoes.  You don’t need much to run, but good shoes are a must.  And yes, after 40 years of running I truly TRULY believe I’m faster with new kicks! Shoes make the outfit, and running is no different.

Find Your People (Or Don’t)

I prefer running alone.  I want to change my mind, my route, run faster or slower, and do what I want.  I’ll run with friends every now and then, but generally I’m a loner.  I have friends who rarely run alone, and there are endless groups (easily found on Facebook) for those looking for a friend.  I enjoy following these groups and seeing what others are up to, and they motivate me to keep at it.  I’m happiest, however, with headphones and my thoughts.  The quiet, pre-dawn time gives me energy and think time before my day gets loud and busy. But I’ve had seasons where a buddy kept me committed to long runs or running in tough weather.  Find your people, but know the journey is your own.

Sometimes Change is Necessary

Several years ago I tried cross-fit and hurt my back.  I quit running altogether, and while it was the right call, I couldn’t figure out how to start running again.  I decided to be a walker and jogger and feigned contentment with this.  I wanted to run more, but I was afraid: afraid of being slower, of hurting, of feeling miserable. The pandemic gave me the perfect opportunity (and lots of time) to go out for longer walks and add more running.  I decided to train for a virtual race, found a supportive group online, and followed their training plan.  I’d never done any of those things before, but I needed a change to get out of my rut. In May I ran a (virtual) 5K – the slowest time of my life- but I ran the whole thing.  I was elated, and hooked.  Buoyed by brief walk breaks but a faster pace, I felt like a runner again. I wasn’t fast, but I was healthy and happy training and running.  I felt like “me” again. I had needed change years before and was so slow to adapt.  But I did, eventually, and I’m so glad I didn’t waste more time looking back instead of moving forward.

An Attitude of Gratitude

Now I’m back to running, but I know as soon as my back hurts I better walk, and that’s okay. Comparison is the thief of joy.  I don’t compare my running to other’s anymore; I’m not even comparing myself to myself – because she was running big miles a few years ago. I’m running my easy miles with a grateful spirit, enjoying time outside with a body that mostly cooperates.  I’ll never be as a fast as I was, but I’m the happiest and fastest runner I’ve ever been at 49.   

I’m calling that a win.  

 

Michelle Adler
Michelle is an Assistant Professor in the School of Education at WSU and loves spending time with students, teachers, books, and little people. Married to Marcus for 25 years, they have five sons ranging in age from 13-23 and look forward to welcoming a girl into the family in June – when her oldest son gets married. Endless practices and games fill her weekends; her boys plays sports at various levels both locally and in college. Running gets her out of bed in the morning, reading helps her fall into it at night, and QT drinks help close the gap!