The "why" of running

Every time I “have” to run, I think about my “why”. More specifically, this “why” is the reason you actually do go out of the door for each training. It can take on many faces, but in the end it helps your training. Let me tell you about mine.

The story of my still young running career begins after obtaining my bachelors at university. I weighed the most I had ever done in my life, felt unfit and wanted change. I decided that I had to get fit again and to try out for the men’s first team of the local hockey club. I went all in and in 2 months lost 8,5kg! I felt more energetic and fit and could finally feel my fitness returning. Nonetheless, I still felt I had more to gain.

That is when I actually first picked up running as a sport. Initially the goal was to stay in shape and lose some more weight as I was still slightly overweight. So I started running 3 times a week and paid attention to my caloric intake. That summer I lost 10kg and felt the most fit I ever had. With that goal done and dusted, I felt running became more of a burden and empty. To fill this void I decided to start training for a marathon. I introduced structured training, paid more attention to my nutrition and started specific strength training. During this training cycle slowly but surely I noticed the reason why I ran shifted. I started getting to know my “why”.

What started as goal oriented running, turned into running for enjoyment, the search for mental clarity and thinking about life.

I noticed that running was no longer “just” running for me. The goal of finishing the marathon was still there, but it was not the main drive behind my motivation and discipline. I started noticing all the benefits of running more and more. In periods that I did not run it was noticeable to myself that I did not feel the same. My mind would run overtime and thinking clearly was often difficult. Too much energy would build up in my body with nowhere to go. In periods I did run, I felt energetic, eager to chase my life goals and felt a sense of achievement. Running had creeped into my life and became an essential part of my daily routine. It gave me purpose, a reason to go out every day and cleared my head in the chaotic times (especially after graduating from university).

Now, every time I “have” to run, I think about my “why”. Running provides mental benefits, it helps in making decisions, it gives the feeling of accomplishment even when all else feels pointless, it gives the clarity of mind, the enjoyment of nature, the improvement in physical fitness, …. I now know there is so much more to running than “just” running, and that is exactly what gets me out of the door each and every time, over and over again. That is how I stay consistent and improve my fitness, because yes a part of my “why” is still just beating my personal best on the marathon, but even when my goal was out of reach on race day, I can enjoy my training and I can enjoy my marathons and be proud of myself and my achievement.

As a coach I find it very important to get to know the “why” of my athletes. Firstly, to be realistic in training, but also in goal setting. Secondly, to stay consistent and not lose sight of what actually matters. Let us connect, get in touch through my contact page and together we will find your why and smash your goal!

‍

‍