How Running Can Help You Marvel

Running is all about the competitive spirit and SURVIVING! Somewhat true.

Not really, otherwise I would have just given up on it since I am not an athlete. I picked up running a few months ago slowly, not aiming to get in shape or check off the bucket list for a marathon. It started with one small half a mile run that later turned into a craving for more than a mile. How?

Running suddenly became a daily routine. It helped me to actually just be in “the moment,” which is something that I rarely did even in yoga or my daily activities since I am constantly on the go.

While running I just observed. The habit of observing, led to just marveling at my surroundings and helped me to relax. It’s beautiful how many things you can uncover. The clarity of thought you discover along the way too. You can only focus forward and avoid the distractions of constantly checking your phone.

I observed the houses, the cars, the cracks on the ground and all the small things that I passed by everyday. During this time, I was wondering about the colors, the shapes and the smells of the trees. Silly questions. Simple thoughts. I had finally found gratitude in being able to just launch at every step and to be here in “the moment.” I craved to continue experiencing this peaceful state and came back the following day for more running.

Last week, I ran the San Francisco Marathon. I chose to not put on the earphones. Instead, I just embrace the natural noise, the cheering crowd, bells and conquered each mile at my own pace. Yes, the pain was in the background. But, I carry on, marveling throughout all 26.2 miles!