What Running in My Twenties Is Teaching Me About Life
Runners crossing the finish line of the Chicago Marathon (insta @chimarathon)
If you told my 16-year-old self that I would be training for the Chicago Marathon as a rising senior in college, I would have looked at you and laughed.
Yet here I am, five years later and five weeks into my training, serving as living proof of the soccer player-to-runner pipeline. I’m not kidding, it’s a real thing. Just ask any former midfielder who’s now obsessed with Strava.
To be completely transparent, getting back into running post-high school has not been an easy journey. I’m a college student with two majors, one minor, and a booked-up calendar. My body has also completely changed since being able to crank out 45 miles a week. There have been runs where I have seriously wanted to put my beloved Hokas away for good.
Yet there is something addictive and euphoric about a runner’s high that continues to gaslight me into thinking a 10-mile run is fun. So I keep chasing that feeling.
Whether you're running for leisure, exercise, or to get that first-place medal, there are many lessons that running can teach you about yourself and life in general.
Here are Some of my Biggest Takeaways
You are Your Only Competition: The race is against yourself - literally and metaphorically. You might want to compare yourself to others. But comparison? It’s a confidence killer. In life, just as in running, we all move at our own pace. Some days you may sprint, and others might be a light jog. Both are acceptable.
Listen to Your Body: Pushing yourself is great, but ignoring what your body is telling you is not. Eat well, hydrate, and take time to rest when something feels off.
Have Fun: Shake things up every now and then. Try new scenic routes and trails, run with a friend and have the best debrief ever, or curate an upbeat playlist to motivate you. Just because something like running might not be easy, doesn’t mean you can’t have a good time doing it!
Showing up for Yourself is Essential: One of the most challenging parts about training is that it takes a ton of discipline. It can be tough to find time when life gets busy, and there are days when running can feel like a chore. However, consistency is crucial… even if it’s not always your best effort. It’s how you grow. Not just as a runner, but as a human. Life requires stamina, and running is a great way to build it, both physically and emotionally.
For me, running has become more than just a workout. It’s a part of my day where I remind myself I can do hard things, even when I don’t want to.
So no, 16 year old me would never have believed that I would be running 26.2 miles in 14 weeks. But 21-year-old me? She’s lacing up her shoes, blasting some Tate McRae, and putting in those miles like it’s nothing.