.png)
By Katie Hayden
When I first started running, I never thought I would enjoy it. I find it crazy that, when asked what my hobbies are, the first thing I say is running. I never imagined I would stick with it. I am a social person, and running was a way to stay in shape while spending time with my friends; however, running has taught me so much more. I have noticed so many parallels between the highs and lows in life and struggles in running, and I have learned so many life lessons in the process. Here are a few things running has taught me:
Discipline. There are 24 hours in every single day. When distractions surround you and try to consume you, focus in. Remember your goals and push through. Stay the course and you will reap great benefits. Often this requires you to wake up early or stay up late, but in life, we are forced to do this sometimes to meet a goal.
Perseverance. Running is challenging both physically and mentally. It is so easy to want to quit and even easier to give in. I have found it is in pushing through that true growth happens. When you feel like you cannot do anymore, stick it out for a few more seconds. That last-second push will get you over the hill.
If at first you do not succeed, try again. And again. And again. Running is hard! You will have good running days and bad running days. In life, we all have good and bad days. When life does not go as planned, re-set! Get up the next day and try again. And again. And again. Do not give up on yourself. You are capable of more than you know.
Rise and shine! On the days when your bed feels so good and cozy and you cannot decide whether you should stay in bed or get up and go, get up. I promise the first run of the day will make you feel better afterward. Sometimes life will hold you down, but do not let it beat you up. Get up and go conquer the day. Beginning the day with an accomplishment can set the tone for the rest of your day.
Dream. Let your mind run. We all have those times when we just cannot think. Your brain and creativity are dead, but you have a paper due tomorrow and still need a topic. Take a break. Go outside. Look to other places for inspiration. There is a great big world around you; your ideas may come from somewhere other than the 4-walled room you are in right now. Sometimes you will find inspiration in the places you least expect it.
Rest. This is a big one for me. With a life motto of “All Gas No Brakes,” I find it hard to ever feel as though I can take a day off. I tend to feel like one day off will take away all my progress; however, I have found that a day off here and there only makes me stronger. When you feel like you need a break; take one. You will come back stronger in the end.
Breathe. Sometimes when I run, I may feel short of breath. When life consumes you and you feel like you just cannot do it anymore, take a breather, take it all in, and relax. You are almost over the hill; just a few more seconds left before you cross the finish line, and I promise that nothing compares to that feeling.
Have some fun. If running were all seriousness all the time, not many people would do it. Find people to run alongside you. In life, we all need friends, peers, and mentors to encourage, push, and talk us through. These people are the ones that will be there on both the good days and the bad, encouraging us every step of the way. When you find these people, never let them go.
Whether it be running, a different sport, or some other hobby, I hope you find something you love and learn something from it. I never thought I would call myself a runner, but here I am. Running has proven to be one of the most fruitful challenges in my life, and I am so thankful for all it has given me. It has pushed my limits and taught me to never be afraid to try something new, and for that I am forever grateful. I hope your passion does the same for you.
Katie Hayden is a McConnell Scholar in the class of 2024. She is studying neuroscience, business administration, and political science at the University of Louisville.