episode 52: Just Run the Way that Makes You Happy

running with mother nature. happy, peaceful, inspiring

I received two messages recently in regards to my previous blog posts. One made me happy, the other allowed me to gain clarity.

Let’s start with the jolly one.  The sender, a total stranger, said that she picked up running again from a 5-year hiatus after reading my blog and seeing pictures of our runs on the 3 Dudes fan page. She has since lost weight and is feeling much healthier.

After reading the comment, I was compelled to go out for a run. Trotting along the river feeling light and happy, “Wish I can feel like this all the time…”

In bed the same night, still soaked in positivity, I realized that life could really, truly be this simple.

-Be myself, be genuine

-Committed to doing things that I love: be there for my family, running/fitness, and writing

-Be grateful with the present

-Yet strive to be a little better everyday

These are the things I’ve done the past seven months, leading to a platform for interaction with like-minded people and in turn, benefited myself.

The second message was in regards to the Saturday morning runs we have been organizing. This acquaintance said that he would love to run with us but felt a little intimated about running with strangers.

I explained that we run at a moderate pace, and the routes we planned usually provide multiple bailout points for runners with different schedules and running experiences. I have not received a reply.

At first, I felt the need to write again to convince him. Help him gain confidence with his running, help him be a better runner, help him overcome the fear of running with strangers, help him understand that running is not about being fast or slow.

With the advancement in fitness apps, I have actually been following his progress for quite some time before the message. He runs almost every day, probably at a pace that he feels comfortable, at locations that are convenient for him and with other great people. It’s his prerogative.

His running is his safe haven, and his motivation to run is likely different from mine. There is no rational reason for me to give advice in such a situation.

Understanding this, I believe, has made me a better runner and signifies a major step in my coaching development.

On social networks, I still see him running happily, and we still exchange “likes” and “comments”. Just two different runners giving each other encouragements.  

You can also follow my running adventures on https://www.facebook.com/pages/3-dudes-on-ultra-mission/271137916280936 or https://twitter.com/williewenli