How Running Will Make Me A Better Writer

“pair of black-white-and-brown Nike basketball shoes” by Kristian Egelund on Unsplash

I used to hate running. Actually, I still kind of hate it. It’s boring. It’s monotonous. It’s an endless loop of one foot in front of the other. You don’t get the thrill of hitting a three-pointer or nailing that forehand down the line. It’s just you and the road. There’s a reason why so many people buy workout headphones for running.

But I know running can be good for me. Studies have suggested that running may actually extend your life. And when I found myself losing a step or two in basketball, the idea of running — without someone trying to stop me — doesn’t sound so bad.

About four years ago, I thought I’d give running a try. Running just a mile can’t be that hard, I thought. I’ve done it before…when I was in high school, I thought.

So one sunny morning I set out to run at least one mile. I was hopeful and ambitious, ready to embark on a life-transforming journey where I successfully run my first marathon.

Less than a minute in, I was already huffing and puffing. I tried to hang on for a little longer, but I eventually came to a stop in front of a neighbor’s house — I didn’t even make it to the half-mile mark.

The neighbor came out of the house. I avoided eye contact and hung my head in shame.

And so it is with my writing. I have a documents folder of potential writing ideas that never saw the light of day. My blog is a perfect example of writing in fits and starts. Even though I know writing can be good for me — not only can it open doors and establish authority, it’s also beneficial for one’s mental health — I’ve never stuck with it long enough to see any benefit. I would start writing, and before I reach the half-mile mark, I quit.

I knew I needed a different approach to running, I just didn’t know what it should be. It didn’t take me too long to find out, though. I discovered the Couch to 5K (C25K) program while randomly searching for ideas about running. The program changed my views and expectations about running. Specifically, I learned that:

1. Initially, I should just focus on running for a short duration (don’t try to run a mile just yet!). Start by running just three minutes. Then five, fifteen, twenty, and then thirty.
2. I should run at a pace that is comfortable for me. If I can’t carry a conversation while running, then I’m running too fast. (No, I’m not going to win any races like this).
3. I don’t need to run every day. In fact, it’s good to take a break sometimes. Just keep it consistent.

C25K came with a free app. As I was running, it would inform me of my progress for the day and tell me when to stop. The program lasted nine weeks, and at the end, I was running three miles without stopping.

As I started to run more, I allowed myself to reflect and think while I’m on the road. There were times I was so focused on a problem that I didn’t realize I ran a whole mile already. Heck, I even enjoyed the scenery from time to time.

After making running a habit, I’m starting to see the benefits of exercising. I believe I can also reap some of the rewards of writing if I can maintain the same consistency.

So how do I apply this to my writing? I think the same principles apply:

1. Focus on writing for a short periods of time, like five to ten minutes. Gradually increase as I feel more comfortable.
2. Don’t worry about how many words I’ll write. If I only manage one sentence during those five minutes, so be it.
3. I don’t have to write every day, but I should stay consistent.

There are no lofty goals of publishing a new post every day, no pressure to produce 2000+ words of content, and no setting goals that I have no control over.

I finally ran my first official 5K race this past weekend. It was four years and two foot injuries in the making. I didn’t win anything, but I finished. That’s something I couldn’t even have imagined just five years ago.

Will I be able to write a 4,000-word post one day? Will anyone read my writing? I’m not sure. This post took me a couple of hours, and I haven’t even cracked 1,000 words. But it’s okay, I’m running at a pace that is comfortable for me.

I’m not going to lie: I do hope that my writing will bring me more tangible benefits, just as I hope my running will eventually help me run a marathon one day. Maybe I’ll try promoting a few posts and see where they go. But I don’t control that. For now, it’s the journey that counts. As I plod along, I’ll enjoy the scenery.