5 Ugly Truths About Running

Whether you’re seeking a new achievement, crossing out an item on your bucket list, or trying to get into a smaller size of jeans, running may seem like a good choice of activity. Particularly in what seems to be the second running boom today (the first was in the 1970s), a lot of people have recently picked up a pair of sneakers and run for the first time. Perhaps people are more informed and conscious about their health than ever, or this is yet another well orchestrated marketing scheme by sporting goods companies. In any case, there’s no denying of running’s positive impact, from individual’s viewpoint to a society on the whole. Nonetheless many runners, beginners or veterans, overlook some of the most significant facts about running.

Truth No. 1: Running isn’t easy

Watching TV is easy. Chatting with a friend is easy. Eating apple pie à la mode is easy. Running, however, is rarely a leisure stroll. Although running can be enjoyed at an easy pace – it still requires a certain degree of continuous effort and concentration. It doesn’t matter if you’re running for the first time in years or you’re a seasoned marathoner, running is a perpetual challenge. One thing to keep in mind is that it doesn’t get easier, you just get stronger.

Truth No. 2: Running takes time

In today’s result-oriented culture, many people expect to see drastic improvements in a short time. While it is true that beginners are the biggest gainers, things will eventually slow down. It’s best to know that running should be built on a foundation of consistency, not instant gratification. The bottom line: running is well worth the time, only if time is invested in running.

Truth No. 3: Running isn’t free

Running can be a relatively cheap and frugal activity to partake, but it isn’t free. Unless one opts to take the most minimal approach such as running with no shoes, gear, or electronics – it’s nearly impossible not to spend a dime in running. And let’s not forget about those outrageous registration fees for some races.

Truth No. 4: Running has no shortcut

There are many training programs, techniques, and methods designed for runners of various levels. But there isn’t one single regimen that allows you to start training for only one week and have a successful race. To reiterate, running requires consistency. Your body needs time to gradually adapt to the physical and psychological demands that accompany running. To run long, one must train long; to run fast, one must train fast. Rounding corners (metaphorically speaking only) will not get you anywhere in running. It is especially true to running that you get what you give.

Truth No. 5: Running isn’t for everyone

Despite the fact that most people are born with capable legs that can carry them tens of miles, running isn’t for everybody. Don’t get me wrong – of course most healthy individuals can jog around a block or few laps on a local track without any training. The point is that running can be extremely taxing, physically and logistically. In addition to the items listed above, we must recognize that running will be detrimental to health and if done wrong. It is also important to consult a professional prior to devoting time to running if you are predisposed to health-related issues. Like most things in life, running is only fruitful in the long haul when one can take calculated approach and complete small tasks along the way, slowly and steadily.

What do you think of this list? Are these truths not ugly enough for you? Why do you agree or disagree with me? Please speak up in the comment section below and don’t forget to share this article!

Author Bio: Kevin Lu is an engineer, currently working in the field of orthopedic devices. He received his B.S. and M.S. in biomedical engineering from New Jersey Institute of Technology. Science, technology, and running are Kevin’s passions. In his spare time, Kevin trains for and participates in races of various distances. In addition to Beyond Distance, Kevin also writes for iRunnerBlog as a contributing tech columnist. Find out more about Kevin here and follow him on Twitter.