Running Conversations

One more benefit of running is how it can enable great conversations. These conversations can be ones you have with yourself, a friend, or a stranger, but something about running makes them easier to have. It might be the feeling of freedom that running offers, and the sense of running away from anything stressful. We can put aside our responsibilities and open up our minds and drop our defenses. No matter what the reason is that running makes them possible, the conversations it allows us are as beneficial as the other positive aspects of running. Here are a few of the possible types of conversations.

Conversations with yourself

When I head out for a run, I leave behind many distractions in my life. As my legs seek out a rhythm, I decide what I want to focus on. I can work through problems and brainstorm solutions. I have written entire articles in my head while out on a run.

My running conversations with myself help me the most with my emotions. If I am annoyed at someone, I can run it out and grumble to myself. If I’m sad, I can give myself a pep talk while I check off the miles. It’s a great way to sort out the many thoughts running through your mind.

Conversations to encourage

When running at a race, you see a wide variety of stories and needs. What I see the most is the need for encouragement. Just saying, “Good job!” or offering a kind word can make a huge difference. I have had runners come up to me after a race to tell me thank you for encouraging them at a moment when they wanted to give up. I know it always helps me when volunteers are yelling encouragement. One of those moments I will never forget was at my first marathon which was on Thanksgiving. I was a little tired when a volunteer yelled, “C’mon people! You are running 26.2 miles. You can eat as much pecan pie as you want!” Since I really like pecan pie, that gave me a little boost.

Conversations to share

Runners need to share their stories. They are struggling with life’s challenges like everyone else. They need to be heard and know someone cares. My friend Raleigh and I were overwhelmed with how many of these conversations we heard at one race. The race was Run for the Son, and it was a very small race, but there were many runners there that wanted to share how God was helping them with their challenges.

As we waited for the race to start, a man walked over and introduced himself. He told us he was recovering from colon cancer and this race would be the last one when he would run with a colostomy bag. I don’t like running with a headache, but this man was running with a colostomy bag. He told me he needed to run the race to prove he was stronger than cancer. He came in second overall by the way. That cancer was crushed.

Revelations

When I coached cross-country, we had a beautiful walking/running path at the school that we warmed up and cooled down on. There were always a few runners who wanted to stay after practice to run and talk. They shared what was going on in their lives and talked about challenges and successes.

Running conversations are so important. They can help our mental health while running can help us physically.