I’ve been running on the beach for about 25 years. I’ve done this regularly for the past 20 years, five to six days a week, three to four miles a day, unless I’m sick or injured. I’ve calculated that I put in about eighteen thousand miles. That puts me at running across the United States and back three times. I’ve spent over 3000 thousand hours of my life running. So, has it been time well spent?
I can honestly say, I’ve never, not for one single morning, looked forward to getting up to go run. I’m not a morning person, so I don’t like getting up. But the empty beach always brings a peaceful feeling, and makes me glad I roused myself from my cozy bed. The morning hours bring not only less people, but less wind.
As much as I’d like to forgo the run, I don’t because I know it’s good for me. I’ve run in the wind, rain, high tide, and even in the dark. As miserable as it can be at times, it’s still worth the effort. I know that running helps me physically, but I run for much more than the health benefit. I run - because something about it makes my life better, makes me better. It’s good for my body, it’s good for my mind, and it’s good for my heart; so, I feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally.
The first week I started running was miserable but once I got into the routine, there was no turning back. The morning habit became a lifestyle. I can’t imagine not running. I’ll keep running as long as I’m able, and I’ll be thankful for every step of the way.