As I wrote in my very first blog post, Why I Run, I feel like I’ve always been a runner. I ran for the sheer joy of running when I was a kid and other than taking a few years off during college prompted by severe shin splints, I’ve been a runner pretty much as soon as I could run. Even though I was on my grade school track team (does that even count?), I was never on my high school cross country or track team nor was I part of any running teams in college. In other words, other than my grade school track coach I never had a running coach so everything I’ve learned about running I learned on my own.
Being a runner for so many years has also taught me how to interact with people and be a better person myself. I’ve learned many life lessons through running and I’d like to share some of them here. For each one I tried to give an example that relates to running and then give an example that relates to life in general.

- Treat others with kindness and respect.
- As a runner, I probably tend to notice stories about runners treating each other with kindness and respect more than a non-runner might but I feel like there have been so many examples of stories showing the kindness of runners toward each other.
- One example is when high school track star Meghan Vogel was at the Ohio state meet in 2012. Vogel was competing in the 3200 meter race, where fellow competitor Arden McMath dropped to the ground a few meters short of the finish line. Vogel ran to McMath’s side where she guided her to the finish line, allowing McMath to finish ahead of herself.
- This one should be obvious how it applies to life outside running and I’m not saying people that don’t run aren’t kind and respectful of others, it’s just that I tend to notice it more in runners probably because of the bond that runners have with one another.
- Food is fuel for your body.
- You quickly have to figure this one out when you start running. If you don’t have the proper amounts and types of food and hydration, your runs will be short-lived and you’ll crash and burn.
- Famous runners have recently cashed in on this by publishing cookbooks specifically aimed at runners. Some of the more popular ones include “Run Fast, Eat Slow” by Shalane Flanagan and Elyse Kopecky, “Racing Weight Cookbook” by Matt Fitzgerald, “The Athlete’s Palate” by Yishane Lee, and “Eat and Run” by Scott Jurek.
- Likewise in life outside of running, food should be treated as nourishment for your body. If you fill it with junk, eventually it will catch up to you in the form of obesity, diabetes, or other health problems. That’s not to say you should always deny yourself the occasional special treat, just remember if you have it every day, it’s no longer a special treat but a part of your normal diet.
- Listen to your body.
- Aches and pains can become worse over time if you ignore the early warning signs. Most of us learn it’s better to take a few days off until you feel better rather than pushing through the pain, only to injure yourself worse and having to take months off running.
- This one can be tough for runners to learn, but once you learn to do this, it’s key to a long running relationship.
- Likewise in life outside running, if you feel a nagging pain in your back or other part of your body, the longer you ignore it, the longer it will take to go away, and in fact may not just go away on its own.
- Getting enough quality sleep is crucial.
- Sleep is the single most important element when it comes to running. If you haven’t slept well or only got a few hours sleep the night before trying to tackle a race or a long run that will only make it harder for optimal performance.
- Not getting enough sleep or not sleeping well night after night wreaks havoc on your immune system, hormonal system, and even makes it harder to maintain an ideal weight.
- Having “Me Time” is important for your health.
- Mothers often struggle with this one. You’re busy taking care of your family and it’s often tough to squeeze in a 30-minute run, especially if you also work full-time outside the home. Not only is this important for your physical health, having time to yourself to go for a run is also important for your mental health. Find a way to make this work for your situation, whether it’s working it out with your partner, taking turns watching a fellow runner’s kids, or calling a babysitter. You should never feel guilty for taking time for yourself.
- Even if you don’t run, it’s important to take time for yourself, whether it’s taking a relaxing bath, going for a walk, calling a friend, or just sitting down to enjoy a steaming cup of hot chocolate by yourself.

What about you fellow runners? What are some life lessons you’ve learned through being a runner?
Happy running!
Donna
So many lessons, even thought I came to running late — and absolutely hated it until I became a runner (it wasn’t love at first step, either).
I think one of the biggest ones is that we are capable of so much more than we think we are!
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Absolutely! That’s a great one that applies to runners and non-runners alike.
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Judy stole my line. I started running even later. Who knew that I could run a marathon at age 66?!
Another thing I learned is how supportive runners are to each other. If it weren’t for my friends, I might not still be running or at least not enjoying as much as I do.
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The support and camaraderie from runners is amazing.
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Thanks for sharing!
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You’re welcome. Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and for commenting.
Donna
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This is a great post. I 100% agree with each point. Running transforms the way you workout, eat, sleep, and feel when you’re not running.
I wonder if there is some sort of study that would show how supportive runners are. I have the same sentiment about that. Doesn’t matter if you’re competing for first place or doing it as a goal, we all give a thumbs up to people we see on the course with us.
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Thanks so much! I also wonder about that.
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These are so true, especially the first one. My favorite thing about running is all the wonderfully kind people I’ve met thru it.
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That’s one of my favorite things about running as well. I’ve met runners from all over the world and have formed special bonds with many of them.
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I’ve learned never take the ability to run for granted and with the pandemic never take being able to race for granted!
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Absolutely! Great points!
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This is an incredible list! Another thing I’ve learned is to enjoy where running takes you. It’s one of the few sports that you can do anywhere. You can always hit up a run, whether it’s short or long or through a city or a forest. Running takes you to so many wonderful places and no matter where you’re at, anytime you see another runner there is an automatic connection. Great post!
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I agree with you completely! One of my favorite things to do on vacation is go for a run and explore the area.
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For sure! I’ve ran barefoot in Mexican villages through dusty streets and with layers of clothes through snow covered forests in Europe. It’s absolutely wonderful and I love it!
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Nice list.
One thing that I have learned. Who cares is you do not hit goal as long as you put in your best (or near best) effort.
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Thanks! Great point. As long as I know I’ve done my best, I’m never disappointed.
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