The other day on my run, I was thinking about how the sport of running signifies many essential life lessons. Often on my runs, I listen to music or podcasts or see my feet making contact with the pavement. Most of the time, however, I think about life in general. Here are a few things I have come to understand during my runs as running is aligned with the reality of life:
1 – People run from the problems in their lives that they need to deal with – My daily runs have a goal and a pace that I want to accomplish. The action of running is what people usually lean on when it comes to solving the problems in their lives. The only difference between running and real life is that a run is usually goal-based, and your Garmin watch (or whichever watch you are using) will tell you how you performed on the run. However, in life, you can choose to run away from the problems in your life for as long as you’d like, and your watch won’t record that!
2 – One step forward is still a step ahead – When I am running, I usually look at my feet because when I see my feet moving forward, that is an entirely different level of inspiration. Someone once told me before a race that no matter how tired I feel remind myself to remember that all I need to do is put one foot in front of the other. Similarly, even if you work towards one aspect of your goal – that is a win!
3 – Learn just to be – Every run is different regarding the goal and pace you’re trying to accomplish. Sometimes though, there is no goal or pace for the run, which is okay! The runs where I ran without a goal or pace were perhaps the most relaxing runs I’ve ever had. I was able to enjoy nature and be present. In this day and age, a person barely gets the chance to be. So find those moments where you can just be present. Not everything has to be controlled by a goal. Learning to go with the flow of life is sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself!
4 – Stop to drink the water! A few years ago, I always told myself I could not stop for a water break during a race because that was a waste of time. Guess what? I was dehydrated towards the end of the race and ran even slower. Similarly, in life – if you need to pause for a few hours or even a day, do that! We are so accustomed to continuing to move forward that we forget to listen to ourselves. Pause and take the time to listen to yourself and move forward even stronger!
Running as a sport is very similar to life. Each run is different, and in life, every day is as well. Remember to enjoy life and continue to move forward!
Sincerely,
Manisha
SMILE! 
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