Global Running Day began in the United States in 2009 as National Running Day. The inaugural Global Running Day was held a few years later in 2016 where more than 2.5 million people from 177 countries pledged to run more than 9.2 million miles! Held on the first Wednesday in June, Global Running Day is a worldwide celebration of running that encourages people of all ages and abilities to get moving. I started running over six years ago when I had become increasingly uncomfortable with how unfit and unhealthy I was. Initially a “chore” I hated, I now can’t imagine life without it. As we celebrate today, I’m reflecting on some of the reasons I run.
Why I Run?
1/ Running Keeps Me Fit and Healthy: Before I started running, I lived a very sedentary lifestyle and felt exhausted after the slightest of physical exertions. I never even imagined the possibility that exercise could actually give me more energy and leave me feeling so invigorated. I also suffered from debilitating headaches/ migraines, something that just seemed to be a normal part of my existence. About six months into running, my mum (who would help me when I had terrible episodes) suddenly remarked, “You haven’t complained about your head in a while…” When this continued, we realised the only change in my life had been running.
2/ I Am More Productive. When I run in the mornings, I’m definitely more productive. I think faster, I’m creative, and I act quicker. Just this morning I ran 10km after the school drop-off, and I’m still going strong! This article notes that “a tough run increases levels of a brain-derived protein in the body, believed to help with decision-making, higher thinking and learning” and that workers who exercise regularly are more productive and energetic than those who don’t.
3/ I Manage Stress Better. That’s not to say that nothing fazes me, but I find I have a clearer head to figure things out. This article notes that “running increases concentrations of norepinephrine, a chemical that helps moderate the brain’s response to stress, and in this way helps to control stress and boost the body’s ability to deal with existing mental tension”. Findings from this review suggest that a regular running regimen, especially during stressful periods, leads to greater resilience. When I’m running, it’s so much easier for me to process difficult thoughts and to find solutions to what I thought were insurmountable problems.
4/ I Am 10x More Confident! When I started running, I became more comfortable in my own body – I didn’t care about the size of my arms which I’d always been self-conscious about. But who would have thought that running would increase my confidence and self-esteem in other areas? The more I run, the more empowered and capable I feel in different spheres of my life. And it’s not just me! Research shows that regular exercise can lead to improved perceptions of fitness and body image, which are linked to self-esteem.
5/ I’ve Grown My Community. I have connected with so many people here at home and around the world. There are many I’ve never met but they inspire, support and encourage me on days I’m struggling. And I try to do the same for them. The running community doesn’t care what level you’re at, whether your pace is 5min/km or 10min/km. This camaraderie extends to races where you can be on the brink of giving up and a stranger will sacrifice their own goals to help you reach the Finish. This past weekend, a few of us ran 15km to give our friend Tshire a great send-off before she lines up for her second Comrades Race on Sunday.
6/ Running Teaches Me. This surprised me. Running is running, right? It’s about form, cadence, pace, etc. Well, turns out there is a lot more to running than meets the eye! Running has given me some of my greatest life lessons whether it’s the importance of dreaming big, celebrating the small wins, that true growth comes from going out of your comfort zone, and that when you are overwhelmed you should focus on what’s in your control. My greatest lesson has probably been that we are always so much stronger than we think we are.
7/ I Get to Explore! It feels like my whole world opened up with running. I am so much more aware of my surroundings. The other day I discovered an old Coca-Cola caravan on my run in Phakalane and today, I ran past an old Rhodesia Railways train which reminded me of my grandfather who rode this train for many years to work in the mines of South Africa (as did several men of his time in Southern Africa). I’ve run every street in my neighbourhood and several others in Gaborone, I’ve grown to appreciate different seasons, and I’ve explored different towns and villages in Botswana and beyond the borders.
Running is a gift – and this quote probably says it best of all, “One run can change your day, many runs can change your life.”
Tell me, why do you love running? What has running taught you? How are you celebrating Global Running Day?
I’m joining Kooky Runner and Zenaida on their link up, Tuesday Topics. Be sure to read their blogs and catch up with other runners from around the world.
The Gaborone Runner 
Nice to have you back, Shathiso!
I love the exploring part best! Running has taken me to so many places I would have never been otherwise. I have discovered so many hidden gems both in Europe and South Africa. And there’s so much more!
All the best to Tshire at the Comrades!
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It’s been a while some people thought I’d quit blogging! LOL! Even living in/ visiting a place would be so different if we weren’t runners. Just look at your Cape Town experience – would you honestly have seen all you have seen if you weren’t a runner? I wish more people knew our secret!
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Running has taught me a lot too! Mostly how dedication will pay off, but so many other things too. It has been such a wonderful workout for my mental well being.
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So many lessons – one I didn’t mention here that is similar to yours is that you get what you put in! And the mental benefits – that took me by complete surprise when I started!
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Yes, to everything you said…and so much more 🙂 I’m so glad you’re part of my running tribe extraordinaire! Thanks for your constant smiles & inspiration ❤
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And THANK YOU for all your positivity and bright colours! I’m so happy you are part of my running tribe… extraordinaire!
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I have tried to love running but no matter how many times I try I end up giving up and feeling like a failure! I would love to be able to run 5km without stopping but have never got there (closest was 3.8km). Ugh! Maybe its not meant for me!
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I love your honesty and vulnerability in this comment Anna. I won’t lie – it took me a long time to love running. I sometimes downplay it, but I would say close to 3 years maybe?! I spent a long time knowing that it was good for me, but not actually loving it or even liking it really. Well done for getting to 3.8km – there are so many people who use a run-walk method and can go incredibly far (and fast!). I learnt early on that there is no shame in walking so NO, you’re not failing at all if you can’t run without stopping. As a runner, I don’t want to push you into something that may not be for you BUT… if it’s something you keep wanting to try out, keep going, stay consistent, and no its not a failure at all if you walk more than you run.
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Thanks so much for your kind words Shathiso! Your words have just “clicked” and made me realise that if I stop to walk for a bit its not a failure! I definitely have to change my mindset and realise that the “walk” part can still eventually lead to the “run”. I shouldnt give up so easily if I do stop for a bit. Thanks for your encouraging words…. Back at it for me! X
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Exactly!! Yay!! So happy you’ll give it another go. Let me know how it goes! There’s never any shame or failure in walking in between.
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Great post! I’ve missed reading them. I have my days when I don’t run and feel the difference. I began running in 2005 because I once saw an “older” man running and told myself that I could do it too. Now I run for many reasons: stress reliever, my own free time, to be healthy, and because I can.
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Thank you, Zenaida! I really feel the difference when I don’t run – there is a distinct mood shift for sure. So, you are going on 20 years of running now! My mind is already going crazy thinking of ways you can celebrate that milestone in 2025!
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I remember taking a beginning to running class through a running organization. I do wish I could find out when it was. I do remember it was in the Summer.
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I love all the reasons you listed for why you run. For me, running definitely gave me a boost of confidence which has been the biggest gift.
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That’s probably the biggest gift for me as well!
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I agree, this quote says it all, “One run can change your day, many runs can change your life.” You put into words not only what running has given to you, but to many of us as well. I celebrated Global Running Day with a 5K run.
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I wish more people knew and understood the power of running on body, mind and soul!
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