Runners Want Their Future Selves to Remember These 6 Lessons
Taking time to realize what’s important can help put training into perspective. Here’s how runners are going to change their routines for the future.
Continued physical distancing to help flatten the curve and stop the spread of coronavirus is important, but that doesn’t make it any easier. Running alone or at-home workouts might not be something you’re used to, but it’s become more normal in your routine.
Staying at home has given us plenty of time left to explore more passions, run more (or less), figure out cross-training, or just try to stay afloat. One thing is the same for everyone—taking time to pause, re-evaluate, and understand why we run is important.
Here’s some things our dedicated Runner’s World+ members and Instagram audience have learned that they plan to incorporate in the future, even as we come out on the other side and find our new normal.
[Join Runner’s World+ to get the tools, training plans, expert advice, and resources to make your next run better than your last.]
Running Together
“I learned just how much I love (and currently miss) the whole running community!”—Danielle.r.lutz
(RW+ member)
“Take advantage of running as a team together. And looking at long runs as a time to run together and bond.”—nvhsxc
“Not taking running with the team for granted.”—26.isaiah
“Enjoy the time you get to run with others. Never take your teammates and friends for granted.”—iz_bella.a
“Running is still worth it even when there aren’t any races on the calendar.”—juststaceythings
Running for the Love of Running
“That I don’t have to be training for a race all the time. Running for fun and health is rewarding.”—kelkins1 (RW+ member)
“Your body is capable of great things if you work hard—don’t be afraid to let it show you.”—Jordan.e.cole (RW+ member)
“A strong and positive mindset will shatter self-imposed limitations.”—j_inglefritz
(RW+ member)
“I want to remember that I can go further and endure more than I thought possible.”—mikewardian
“Respect the run. Never fear it.”—jaksen_perrin
“I am fortunate to be able to run. There can be joy in any run.”—djsparty82
“Running for the wind, the fresh air, the feeling, the peace of mind—not training for the next race.”—clizlempke
“I’m remembering the beauty of just running to run. There are no races planned, no workouts pending. Running isn’t about proving anything to anyone, it’s okay to run JUST to run, to challenge myself, to grow, to heal, to stay sane. It’s okay and great and valid just to run for me.”—lauriehumphrey
“That I really enjoy training solo for the love of it, regardless of a race.”—madiroberts_tri
[Download the All Out Studio App for more amazing at-home workouts!]
Races
“Don’t complain about race weather. Be grateful you have races AT ALL.”—irun26point2__
“Don’t take the opportunity to race for granted—give it your all and never give up!”—runner.fitlife
[How to Stretch Your Training If Your Goal Race Was Postponed Due to Coronavirus]
Training for Life
“Keep going. Nothing is permanent. Breathe, move, lace up. Your stride won’t leave you.”—philpmueller (RW+ member)
“The day offers me enough time to see some goals to the finish!”—olmikep (RW+ member)
“Running to train for LIFE rather than for a specific race or distance can be just as rewarding! I’ve noticed that since I don’t have a specific race goal, I’m able to really listen to my body and incorporate various distance runs, strength workouts, and yoga into my training when I’d normally JUST be focused on running.”—libbybeeee
“I learned how much of a stress reliever running is, as well as a great way to have some alone time and enjoyment. At the beginning of quarantine, I had surgery so was out of my daily run streak for three weeks. So, the constant being at home without my daily run was so so missed! So happy to be back at it and on day 33 of my run streak.”—runningtofindmyself
“Even during times of difficulty, you can always find ways to improve!”—vesselathletics
“How to stay motivated and keep pushing my limits when there’s not a race coming up.”—madisoneuner
Taking Time to Slow Down
“It’s okay to slow down and take some time to collect yourself.”—stevenseighman (RW+ member)
“The value of a quick walk outside to clear the mind and get fresh air.”—Danielle_buglino
(RW+ member)
“Don’t be so hard on yourself all the time, let life slow down, and enjoy the little things.”—emmyandjakesmom
“Enjoy the little things. Stop to take in the views and enjoy the fresh air. Even when the days seem to be passing so slowly right now, time moves fast.”—kerfulch
“Taking the extra time to do your physical therapy is worth it.”—bigdoctaytay
Staying Connected
“That I love being around my family every day.”—blakemontie (RW+ member)
“Staying connected. My mom and I do virtual yoga together from across the U.S. every Wednesday.”—kate.lyn.ashley (RW+ member)
“Meeting new people through social media and learning new things from them that would not happened outside of current circumstances.”—harruns2music
“Run. Visit your parents and grandparents. Have dinner dates with friends. Be outside. Enjoy your coworkers.”—katie.roos.fitness
“Home is where the heart is, and to make more and deeper connections with my fellow humans.”—the6to9shift
“A simple smile or wave could change someone’s day.”—emishmemi
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