Run University

My name is Dani. I am a student-athlete at a university in the US. I have been running since I was in middle school track, about ten years now. That was back in the day when I was still convinced I would become some great throwing legend. 

The sole reason I tried a distance race in middle school was because I was bribed by my mother. Remember the Golden Ruler: Mom knows best. My mom knew running was my thing and ever since I’ve been hitting the pavement. She helped me discover my great love.

Over the past few years I’ve struggled with being trying to be consistent with my running because I’ve faced various injuries. However, I’ve always noticed something when I stop:

• I’m not happy
• My apetite is abnormal
• Food cravings are awful 
• My sleep patterns askew 
• Mood swings
• Time managment problems
• Weight gain
• Leg pain
• Emotional issues

The truth of the matter is that running is my self-medication. It forces me to organize my time and allows me to organize my thoughts during those runs. Endorphins improve my moods and consistently running regulates it. My legs need the motion of activity and my sleep patterns depend on exhaustion from running. I crave healthy food instead because my body knows what fuel it needs in order to keep going. Overall I’m happier and healthier- now its only natural for me to run.

To all you couch potatoes I have one thing to say that changed my outlook on running: Humans are built to run. It doesn’t matter if your “big-boned”, scrawny, tall, short, fat, or average- you were born to run. Find your reason to run and don’t let that motivation slip from you. Hold tight to what makes you happy.

-Dani