Every year, the first Wednesday in June is a chance for all of us runners to celebrate what we love: running. Even though we talk about it almost every other day of the year, I like to take this time to take a step back and think about the bigger picture. It can be so easy to get wrapped up in the day-to-day ins-and-outs of all things running.
Global Running Day: A Look Back
This is actually my 4th year posting for Global Running Day (or what used to be called National Running Day). In 2014 I wrote about Why I Run. I took a trip down memory lane and talked about how I became a runner:
…But running has been there for me on the best days and the worst days. And when I need some time away it is always waiting for me when I am ready to come back. Lately running has become something even more to me, as I have become a part of this amazing online running community and prepare to train to be a running coach. I have learned it should never be taken for granted and it is something I need to be a part of my life for many, many more years.
In 2015 I hosted a National Running Day link-up and answered some open ended questions about what running means to me:
Right now, I run because… it challenges me, it makes me feel complete, and it’s my opportunity to clear my mind. It seriously helps me to focus and get through the rest of my day more efficiently.
In 2016 I made a list of all the things running has taught me. Little did I know I was writing this post just a week before my foot injury would begin. It’s good to know that I felt that much appreciation towards running even when things were going well. I never would have thought that I’d be faced with an injury that would not want to go away.
Running has taught me……that as much as you can try, you can’t be in control of everything. And that’s ok.
Global Running Day 2017
This year, I don’t have anything deep or meaningful for funny to share. Instead, I have found it helpful to look back on my past posts and remember what it felt like when running was going well. Lately it’s been all about letting myself run enough that I don’t go crazy but not so much that I make things worse. I know most of you reading this can relate to running being about way more than just the physical benefits.
My Hopes for the Next Year
I hope that a year from now I can look back on this post and my injury will feel like a distant memory. I hope that I will be back to having a trusting relationship with my running and I won’t feel a sense of anxiety every time I step out the door. I hope that running will be my stress relief and not a contributor to stress. I have no expectations in terms of paces or racing or miles; all I want is stress-free, pain-free, happy running. Is that so much to ask?
[Tweet “My hopes for the next year on #globalrunningday via @milebymilerun #tuesdaysontherun #coachescorner”]
How are you celebrating Global Running Day this year?
What are your hopes for the next year of running?
Do you get more mental or physical benefits from running?
I’m linking up with Rachel, Susie, Lora, and Debbie for the Coaches’ Corner!
Happy Global Running Day! I hope you can get back to your normal running routine, too. Because of my injury, I plan to walk my miles. I hope I can get back to pain free running, just like you. I do a lot of sports and I run because I think it’s really fun. I don’t run far and only run 3-4x per week but I do miss being out there.
Theres nothing like being outside for a run!
I definitely see running as a stress relief, and a way to clear my mind. I’m hoping the next year brings you the same and no pain!
Thanks! Its definitely my favorite way to relieve stress.
I don’t normally run on Wednesdays but I’m going to do a few miles! After all it’s our holiday!
I think I linked up with you back in the day…
I hope you enjoyed your run today!
Running is there for us on the best days and the worst days isn’t it?! Have a great day
It sure is!
Happy Global Running Day!! I don’t normally run on Wednesdays because it’s a strength training day for me, but I will get in 2 miles before my boot camp class tonight!
I hope that you are able to get back to your normal running routine soon and no pain! I know its been a rough couple of months for you.
Thanks! I hope you enjoyed your run today!
I’ve been marathoning for 20 years and this is the first time I heard about Global Running Day! Ha ha ha! I miss all the cool things. My hope for you is that you’ll soon be able to enjoy running again without a care in the world. <3
I am surprised you didnt know about it last year! And thank you!
This is the first year I am running on this day, scheduling finally worked out for me!
I hope you are able to meet all your runnng goals next year!
Thank you! I hope you had a great run today!
in 2013 my birthday was the same day as global running day which was really fun! I celebrated today by running 6 miles.
Thats a great way to celebrate your bday! I bet it will fall on it again soon.
love this “Running has taught me……that as much as you can try, you can’t be in control of everything. And that’s ok.” because it is SO true and so important to understand, happy running
Thanks! Now more than ever that statement has so much meaning for me.
I think running is more a mental gain for me most times. I feel the same as you – I write about the annoying, injury stuff so I can hopefully look back in a few months and see what progress I’ve made. I’m running a 7K with the family tonight. Should be good weather and hopefully the kids will enjoy it 🙂
I hate that all my posts are about injuries but I think its important to share whats really happening. And like you said, its good to be able to look back on it all. I hope you have fun at your race tonight!
Happy Running Day! I hope the next year brings you pain-free running as well. I run for the mental benefits as much as the physical – there’s just something about running that clears stress and helps with thinking. Today I celebrated with 7 miles and Ollie’s first run back after his cough!
Thank you! Im glad you got in a good run with Ollie today! Running has so many wonderful benefits.
Happy Global Running Day Lisa!
Thanks, same to you!
I’m with you girl on the goal of “happy running”. I hope that is what this year brings for you.
I hope it brings happy running for you too!
What a nice trip down memory lane! And no, it’s not too much to ask. You WILL get better and run once more!!!
Thanks! I don’t think its too much to ask either:)
A year from now I hope I can say that I am at a good place with running. I’m injury free and tackling distances that I want to run.
I have no doubts that you will be doing those things a year from now!
I have been so wrapped up In my new position at work that I totally forgot that it was today and I didn’t even run:( I hope to make up for it tmrw. I hope I can continue to run without any injuries many years to come.
I hope you can get out for a run today! Celebrating running day doesn’t need to be on the actual day.
As someone who has had a number of really terrible injuries (though none as ongoing as your current streak, so you can hang you hat on that), I know the fear of something going wrong every time you leave the door. Reminds me as well of when I was was really sick and couldn’t get through a run (but would feel fine before I left, or I never would have left).
I hope that you can get back to the point of enjoying each run without fear!!
Thank you! I am sure you can relate to this. I know its possible to get back to running the way I want its just taking much longer than I would like…
Happy(belated) global running day!
Thanks for sharing your injury-feels. I can relate! Best of luck with your continued recovery:)
Thank you! I hope you enjoyed Global Running Day too!
“stress-free, pain-free, happy running”…don’t we all deserve that? I agree…it’s not about pace or speed, it’s about running for the pure joy of RUNNING. I was able to get outside for Global Running Day, and it certainly has a lot more meaning for those of us who have had to rally back from injury. I do not take any run for granted. Every run is appreciated for what it is…whether an easy, carefree endeavor or a humbling stagger back to my house, I’m grateful for whatever lesson I can learn from it.
Yes! I do think being injured teaches us to appreciate our running. Each time I have a set back I become even more grateful for those times when I am running injury free.
Hope you had a great day Lisa, I ran! – which I’ve never done on global running day before!
That’s great- I hope you enjoyed your run!
I celebrated Global Running Day with some hill runs with the harriers – love that so many people share a love for running.
Sounds like a great way to celebrate!