Run: Five Minute Friday

At the conclusion of another week, I am once again excited to join my writer friends over at the Five Minute Friday link-up. This week, our FMF prompt is Run.

Running used to be my identity. In middle school and high school I was a cross-country and track runner and I found success in long distance running. During the years when I ran competitively I developed personal qualities that have served me well in adulthood.

Running taught me how to be disciplined. If I wanted to be ready for each race, then I had to log the miles and put in the time in the days and weeks leading up to it. Cutting corners wasn’t an option when my eyes were set on the prize.

Running taught me how to be a leader. I was a team captain during my junior and senior years and took that role very seriously. As the captain, I encouraged my teammates and pushed them to be their very best. It was also a goal of mine to lead them with kindness and humility. As a teenager I am sure I didn’t always get that right, because I still struggle with that in adulthood, but my heart was in the right place.

Running taught me how to be a friend. So many friendships and memories can be attributed to long, easy runs through my hometown. You get to know a person when you have to run 5+ miles with them on a regular basis. The time is filled telling stories and talking about your day. Running also helped me to be more confident in social situations and gave me skills in small talk and making others feel heard.

As I reflect on my days as a runner I am so thankful for these experiences in my formative years. Due to medical issues, I am not really able to run like I used to, but I have applied the same discipline that I learned to other forms of exercise (cycling, strength training, yoga) and am still very active and health conscious.

The Ameri Brit Mom