Celebrating What Unites Us on Global Running Day

June 1, 2016

Today is Global Running Day – a time to celebrate runners everywhere and pledge to do what we love: To go for a run. I will be joining the hundreds of thousands of runners who will lace up our shoes today and cover some miles on our favorite paths and trails.

Global Running Day on runladylike.com

But is Global Running Day different than any other day?

If I’ve learned anything during my lifetime of running and my long distance running journey that began nearly 10 years ago, it’s this: Running gives us a chance to celebrate every single day, because it creates small, everyday victories of mental and physical strength that often bring out the best in us.

We don’t need a day to celebrate running; it has become part of our daily lives.

We don’t need a day to unite us; the sport unites us every time we go for a run. There’s perhaps no better way to meet people and develop deep relationships than by joining a running group or meeting up with a neighbor to log miles. Some of my greatest friends are people I’ve met training for a marathon.

We don’t need a day to remember how runners share more similarities than differences. It is the relativity of running that’s perhaps the most powerful aspect of our sport. I will never forget talking to a woman after spectating at a 10K race last year. It was a really hot race with terrible conditions for every runner. People dragged themselves across the finish line, most slower than they’d ever completed the distance. The runner I spoke to was a newer runner who ran a slower pace. She told me that she knew a race like this was really easy for me, because she perceived me to be an “experienced runner.” I assured her that no runner – from an Olympic marathoner to a middle-of-the-pack runner like me – would have thought that race was easy. I reminded her that no matter how fast or slow we are, we all experience the same feelings. We all line up at the same start line. We all experience the same fears and moments of self-doubt. We all have discomfort, mental anguish and physical pain when the miles get difficult. We all have to combat the challenges of Mother Nature. And when we all find a way to conquer a run or race, we all get the same exact medal. We are the same.

You see, running is relative. Some of us may run faster or slower than others, but we all go on the same exact journey. It may take longer for some of us to get there than others, but every runner experiences the same highs and lows, the same struggles and triumphs and the same personal victories.

Global Running Day on runladylike.com

Remembering that is what Global Running Day is about for me. Celebrate all you have accomplished in your running journey and get excited about all you have left to conquer. Celebrate all the runners you know who are doing amazing things and making you better. Celebrate all your friends and family members who support you on your journey – who have been there on the sideline at races or put up with your training schedule, moments of ravenous runner’s rage and early morning alarms. Celebrate the person you have become thanks to the way running has empowered you and made you stronger.

Today, I’m sending every runladylike.com runner and reader a huge high five and a friendly push forward to keep dreaming, to keep working and to keep finding joy in a sport that is as meaningful today as ever.

Global Running Day on runladylike.com

How are you celebrating Global Running Day today?

Comments

Boston

I don’t comment much, but posts like this remind me why I read your blog every day. You’re awesome. Thanks for this.

rUnladylike

Thank you so much! That means the world to me! So honored to have you as a reader. Happy running to you! xoxo

Frank

Great post, Jesica! At 6 am today, I put in four good miles on the Eastside Beltline with a few dozen other Atlanta Track Club members, coordinating with a group in Australia doing their evening run.

rUnladylike

So awesome Frank!!!! I miss the Beltline! Very cool way to celebrate the day! xo

Kimberley

How is it more of your blogs make me “happy cry” than not, lol! Happy “Our National Holiday Day”!

rUnladylike

Happy tears and miles to you Kimberley! xoxo

Angie

I love your blogs Jesica, and this one reminds me why. You are so honest and genuine. I did not run yesterday as I ran the day before and will run today, but I love running and everything it has brought me. It is my new best friend. Thanks for the great post and if you are ever in the Philly area, please let me know as I would love to run with you!

rUnladylike

Thank you so very much Angie! I’ve never been to Philly but I definitely hope we’ll get to run in real life one day soon. xoxo

Laura @ This Runner's Recipes

Love you, love this post. You expressed it so eloquently and beautifully exactly why running is so wonderful – that common journey and bond, no matter our pace or experience. I hope you had a wonderful day and a great run!

kristin

i am not feeling like much of an athlete lately as my body is fighting me so hard after these recent brain surgeries. i am a bag of bones with a shaved head and no energy but yesterday i put on my running shoes and “ran” to the end of my parking lot because that’s all my body could do. we all have something we’re chasing and we all have things standing in our way. we just have to keep putting one foot in front of the other. keep on running, friend!

rUnladylike

I’m sending you a HUGE hug Kristin. There is no one I know who is a tougher athlete 24/7 than you. Thanks for inspiring runners like me to never give up. xoxo

Tricia @ A Couple of Dashes

I love this post! Thank you for sharing! It’s such a great reminder to remember that no matter the pace, we’re all experiencing the same journey. I do tend to fall into the mind trap that more experienced runners don’t have some of the same struggles, but it’s good to know that we’re all on the same path!