The world is divided into runners and non-runners. And it seems like more and more people are on the running side. Everyone is doing a 5K, a half-marathon, a triathlon…except me. I am on the non-running side of the great divide. I have never been a runner and I am pretty sure I never will be. My disdain for running started back in Jr. High when I would get this crazy itch all over my body as we ran blocks in track. I still get that itch. I also maintain that some bodies are built to run and some bodies aren’t. Like I tell my husband, “You are moving limbs, honey; I am moving trunks.” And then my sister (far left) goes and throws my whole theory off by running the hardest leg of a mountain pass relay (and kicked butt!)
Now don’t misread this post. I am proud of my sister (Go Ang!). I admire runners. I respect them. My best friends from childhood run, my new adult friends run. Shoot, I even married a runner. But I have wasted the better part of my life disappointed in myself that I don’t run.
Until last week… when I walked into my yoga class and had a self-acceptance moment. I realized that I can still be a good person and not be a runner. And just like singing isn’t the only talent, running isn’t the only exercise. Sure, I’ll never win a beauty pageant talent show with my organizational skills, just like I will never win a race with yoga. But as my yoga instructor says, “Set your intention for your practice,” I know I am in the right place, doing the right exercise, for my body, at the right time.
I am no longer going to feel bad when someone posts their Nike mileage on Facebook or pictures of their latest 5K. I am still a good person. I can cheer for the runners in my life, be excited for them, and encourage them, but I no longer will beat myself up because I cannot do what they do. I do not have to be a runner to have worth.
![I spoke in church today and said the Atonement of Jesus Christ is the greatest act of Charity. I read Moroni 7:45-47 to make my point. But wherever there was the word ‘Charity’ I substituted it out for ‘the Atonement of Jesus Christ.’ See if these scripture verses now have new meaning for you:
“And the Atonement of Jesus Christ suffererth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth in the truth,
[The Atonement of Jesus Christ] beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not the Atonement of Jesus Christ, ye are nothing, for the Atonement of Jesus Christ never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto the Atonement of Jesus Christ, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail-
But the Atonement of Jesus Christ is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.”
So Easter really reminds us of love. The first and greatest commandment.](https://www.raisinglemons.com/wp-content/plugins/instagram-feed-pro/img/placeholder.png)
Thank you for this post. I tried picking up running last summer and my body just laughed at me. 🙂 I just don’t think it’s my thing. Maybe I didn’t give it enough time but maybe I should just try something different. Like yoga??
Great post, Tiffany. Angela was telling me about it yesterday. I love running but I think it’s super trendy right now. The important thing is finding something that you love to do so that you will actually do it (and when I say “you,” I mean all of us).
I feel the same as Charles Barkley: “I don’t run because it makes me tired and I don’t lift weights because they’re heavy.” 🙂 I just said to some friends the other day, when did running become the trendy thing to do? WTG on yoga though!
Tiffany! I am, well WAS, one of those runners…I ran 2 half-marathons in the last 6 months…I hated every second of it and finally decided I was DONE!! No more…I am so done! I am on the other side…in awe of people who don’t. So I switched teams!!! I am done! I am on to new things!
I am not a big fan of running either. I LOVE to ride my road bike.
Amen! I always feel guilty/bad that I am not a runner too. I need to value the exercise I like. Thanks for the post.
I know what you’re saying. I really want to be a runner too, but it probably won’t ever happen. Someday, I keep telling myself. But maybe I just need to accept the fact that I won’t be a runner. However, way to go Angela! Im
*Oops. Impressive!
I am a walker, and proud of it. I love walking, it makes me happy. Running hurts. And I get that awful itch too. Thanks for this post. We can all celebrate the individual that we are.