Many people look at me and see a runner. Often times it’s how conversations begin in the grocery store, restaurant, or even a gas station: “You must run.” “I know you’re a runner. I can tell.” “Sprinter or long distance?” I don’t know any of these people, but they are always really nice, complementary, and eager to talk to me about everything from what I eat to what marathons I’ve done. They are all shocked—and somewhat confused—when I tell them that not only do I not run, but I hate running. I’ll run to catch a plane or keep a child from darting into a street, but running for running’s sake? It’s a no for me.
In March, a friend signed up for a 10K race in November. I signed up for nothing. Here’s the catch: We workout three days a week, and it would be weird to watch her run alone. So, I reluctantly agreed. There was never a day that I looked forward to doing it, but I wanted to be able to do it.
As a trainer, some days it’s hard to press toward a goal when no one is checking that you do. It’s hard to show up every single day and be disciplined when no one is expecting any more from you. It’s difficult some days to keep working when you are ahead of those around you, and no one would notice if you quit. This is where accountability comes in. I have someone to take this journey with, someone to push me when I don’t feel like it, and someone who won’t let me off the hook. I do the same for her.
In March, I had barely run a mile. Today I’m at 6 miles. While I still hate hate running, I very much appreciate what it has given me: increased cardiovascular endurance, more discipline, improved focus, better resilience, and friend to help me crush these goals.