Let’s Get This Straight: I’m a Runner
Yeah, I know. I’m that guy. The one who’s always talking about ‘long runs’ and ‘negative splits’ and ‘carb loading.’ I’m the one who shows up to social events in running clothes, ‘just in case.’ I’m the one who’s always trying to convince you to sign up for a 5K. I’m Dave. And I’ve been running for 15 years.
I started back in 2008, after a particularly brutal breakup. My friend Marcus—let’s call him Marcus, because his name was actually Steve and that’s not important—dragged me to a local track one Tuesday evening. I hated every second of it. But I went back the next day. And the day after that. And suddenly, I was hooked.
Running Is Basically the Worst
Look, I’m not gonna sit here and tell you running is some kinda magical, life-changing experience for everyone. It’s not. It’s physicallyy demanding. It’s boring. It’s hard on your joints. It’s expensive if you get into it. And let’s not even talk about the chafing.
I remember my first 10K. It was in Austin, back in 2010. I trained for months. I was so excited. And then, about three miles in, I hit the wall. I’m talking full-on, can’t-move, want-to-cry, ‘why did I think this was a good idea’ wall. I walked the last two miles. I was humiliated. I swore I’d never run again.
But here’s the thing: I did run again. The next week. And the week after that. Because running is also the best.
Running Is Basically the Best
Running is cheap. You don’t need fancy equipment. You don’t need a team. You don’t need a court or a field or a rink. You just need a pair of shoes and a place to run. And honestly, you don’t even really need the shoes.
Running is simple. It’s just you and the road. No rules, no referees, no politics. Just you, your thoughts, and the occasional searing side stitch.
Running is freeing. There’s something about the rhythm of your feet hitting the pavement that just clears your mind. It’s meditative. It’s therapeutic. It’s… yeah. It’s kinda cheesy, but it’s true.
And running is challenging. It’s always there, waiting for you to beat your personal best. It’s always pushing you to go further, faster, stronger. It’s a constant source of committment and accomplishment.
Running Is For Everyone (But Also Not)
I’ve had this argument with my friend Lisa alot. She’s a swimmer. She’s always going on about how running is bad for your knees, how it’s not a ‘real’ sport, blah blah blah. I mean, come on. Running is one of the most accessible sports out there. It’s not about being the fastest or the strongest. It’s about showing up. It’s about finishing. It’s about pushing yourself, in whatever way you can.
But here’s the thing Lisa’s kinda right about: running isn’t for everyone. It’s not. Some people just don’t like it. And that’s okay. There’s no rule that says you have to love running. There’s no rule that says you have to love any sport. The important thing is to find something you do love. Something that gets you moving, something that makes you happy, something that’s yours.
I’m not saying you should all go out and run a marathon. I’m not saying you should all become runners. I’m just saying… try it. Give it a shot. You might hate it. You might love it. But you’ll never know until you try.
Running and Technology: A Love Story
Oh, and let’s talk about tech for a sec. I know, I know. You’re thinking, ‘Dave, what does running have to do with technology?’ But hear me out. Running has come a long way since the days of just lacing up and hitting the road. Nowadays, there’s a whole world of gadgets and gizmos to help you run smarter, faster, stronger. And honestly, it’s kinda amazing.
I remember when I first got my hands on a GPS watch. It was a game-changer. It was like having a coach right there on my wrist, guiding me, tracking me, pushing me. It was like having a secret weapon. I felt like a spy. I felt like a superhero. I felt like a total nerd. But I didn’t care. Because it worked.
And let’s not forget about the best smartphones review comparison. Seriously, having a good smartphone can make all the difference in your running game. From tracking your routes to connecting with other runners, from listening to your favorite playlist to calling for help if you twist your ankle in a weird place (not that I’ve ever done that), a good smartphone is basically a running essential. So do your research, find the one that’s right for you, and get out there and run.
A Quick Digression: Running and Coffee
Speaking of running essentials, let’s talk about coffee. I don’t know about you, but I can’t run on an empty stomach. And I can’t run without coffee. It’s just not gonna happen. I need that caffeine boost, that little kick in the pants to get me going. And honestly, I think every runner should have a good pre-run coffee routine.
I remember this one time, I was training for a half-marathon. I was at this little coffee shop on 5th, the one with the awesome pastries. I ordered my usual—black, no sugar—and the barista, this guy named Jake, he looked at me and he said, ‘You’re a runner, aren’t you?’ And I was like, ‘How’d you know?’ And he said, ‘You’ve got that look. That determined look. That ‘I’m gonna run until I puke’ look.’
Which… yeah. Fair enough. But the point is, coffee and running go together like peanut butter and jelly. Like me and my old running shoes. Like the searing pain in your sides and the inevitable walk of shame home after your first 10K. They just do.
Running Is a Journey (Cliché, I Know)
Running is a journey. It’s a journey of self-discovery. It’s a journey of physical and mental growth. It’s a journey of ups and downs, of triumphs and failures, of blisters and bad weather. It’s a journey that’s different for everyone. And it’s a journey that’s never really over.
I’ve run in the rain. I’ve run in the snow. I’ve run in the heat. I’ve run when I’m sick. I’ve run when I’m tired. I’ve run when I’m happy. I’ve run when I’m sad. I’ve run for fun. I’ve run for charity. I’ve run for no reason at all. And every single time, it’s been a journey.
And you know what? I’m not even sure where this journey is taking me. I don’t know if I’ll ever run a marathon. I don’t know if I’ll ever win a race. I don’t know if I’ll ever be the fastest, the strongest, the best. But I do know one thing: I’ll keep running. Because it’s my journey. And it’s a journey I love.
So yeah. That’s my take on running. It’s the most overrated sport. It’s the best sport. It’s a journey. It’s a love story. It’s a pain in the ass. It’s freeing. It’s challenging. It’s boring. It’s exciting. It’s running. And I love it.
About the Author
Dave is a runner, a writer, and a coffee addict. He’s been running for 15 years and has no plans of stopping anytime soon. When he’s not running or writing about running, he can be found arguing with his friend Lisa about the merits of swimming, or trying to convince his barista, Jake, to open a coffee shop specifically for runners. He lives in Austin with his dog, Marathon, and his cat, 5K.
