We often see amateur runners struggling to achieve quick results, which leads them to quit and return to a sedentary lifestyle. This approach rarely works because running has a deeper meaning beyond just hitting fast goals. In reality, achieving health or athletic milestones is a byproduct of the running process itself. Much like marathon running, it’s more about the journey and embracing life in motion.
It’s a journey with many stops and goals along the way. But running itself is neither the goal nor the means to achieve goals. And without answering the question "What does running mean to you?" this journey will be short-lived.
An example from cycling.
To compare, let’s take cycling. It’s a bit easier to explain. We often hear from cycling enthusiasts that cycling is, first and foremost, about freedom; a way to escape — a chance to get far away from the complexities of reality and be alone with oneself; to connect with others who share the passion; for those with a technical mindset, it’s a way to express themselves through technology; and for some, it’s an essential thing — a means of transport. All of this is more than just a love of sport.
Is there such a meaning in running?
The meaning of running lies in the process itself, in movement. It is not a goal or a means to achieve something bigger; it is a path that brings joy and enhances life. Running helps us better understand ourselves, maintain our health, and keep a balance between body and mind. It prolongs life, strengthens the body and mind, and helps find answers to the questions that torment us in everyday life. Running is life in motion.
Modern scientists who study human physical activity believe that walking speed and leg movement patterns correlate directly with a person’s remaining years of life. This is closely related to brain activity. Slower walking, weak foot push-offs, and shorter steps all reflect the aging of the body and weakening of brain function.
Running develops the body’s ability to move — both walking and running. Therefore, running extends longevity. This, in our opinion, is its meaning. Movement is life.
How to find the right motivation for long-term running?
Stanislavski’s quote “Love the art in yourself, not yourself in the art” fits running perfectly. Just change it to “Love the run in yourself, not yourself in the run.”
How to love running in yourself?
Appreciate the real improvements running brings you. This can include better health, sleep, energy, and a more positive attitude toward those around you.
Learn to listen to yourself and assess how you feel through running intensity, heart rate, and pace.
Manage your mood and emotional state through running.
Use running and movement to find unexpected answers to the questions that bother you when you are stationary.
Find a way to use running to improve your interactions with the world, and positively embrace any circumstances.
How not to love yourself too much on the run?
Compare yourself less to others — this creates stress. Focus on your own progress.
Don’t show off. Your real achievements will speak louder than the trendiest running shoes or a boastful post on social media.
If you do talk about your achievements, make it your goal to help others through them.
Keep your ambitions in check — they primarily hold us back.
Remember that running is a marathon, not a sprint.
We hope that this philosophical post will help you better understand why you run.