Running: five important things you have to accept!
Dear runners, after the holidays we return to writing about running, a topic that is certainly an inexhaustible source of information and new insights, especially if you are a beginner. Don’t forget that on 31 August 2025 the 8th Subotica Half Marathon takes place; expect early registration soon, and until then prepare and train hard so that, if you plan to take part, you can give your best. You can also run recreationally. Don’t worry about the result; you know yourselves that it is not always decisive or the most important thing.
We have written many times so far about the importance of running for our health, and in today’s article we will deal with the psychological effect of running and the facts every runner has to accept and adopt in order to give their best in this sporting discipline. You should know that running gives you the opportunity to get to know yourself, to grow and develop as a person, because running, like any life situation, brings lessons that can shape your current beliefs.
PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE
The first and perhaps most important fact that every runner, beginner or recreational, should accept right at the start. Take, for example, injuries, which almost every runner encounters from time to time. They always put us to the test, and in such situations we realise that we simply have to be patient with our body, because we have no other choice. Besides injuries, there are also moments of dissatisfaction with the results achieved. You should by no means reproach yourself or feel bad about it; instead you need to give yourself enough space and time to prepare for the next competitions, in which you may manage to achieve a satisfying result. That way of thinking should be applied in everyday life too. Sometimes it is better to let everything go at its own course and rhythm, without tense and nervous clenching, control and impulsiveness. In such cases only good things can happen, so sit back comfortably, relax and take care of yourself and your body.
UPS AND DOWNS
As in life, there are ups and downs in running too, and there always will be. Sometimes everything goes the way you want, you are happy with your training, you are making progress, and sometimes periods come when it is hard and nothing works for you. Through running longer races, such as half marathons or marathons, runners experience a wide range of emotions, and we can see all of that in our everyday life too. Know that obstacles are not permanent, and after temporary problems things always move in a better direction.
YOU CAN BE YOUR OWN BEST FRIEND (OR WORST ENEMY)
Every runner is deeply focused during a race, and their mind fully influences the physical expression we see in the form of running, that is, physical movement. All plans, wishes, aspirations and every goal we want to achieve are created in our mind, be it a medal or just achieving a positive result that will satisfy the runner’s wish. Between determination and the minimal dose of doubt that is always needed, the former should always prevail, because if you are convinced and think you can do something, then it is certainly so. So take risks, run a kilometre more than you may have planned for that day and don’t let yourself hold back. Always believe in yourself.
COMPARISONS DO MORE HARM THAN GOOD
Today we are exposed to sources of information from all sides, from television and radio to social networks, which increases the possibility of perceiving others around us as perhaps more successful than ourselves, especially when we talk about sport or results achieved. Comparison with others follows, in which the others are either superior or inferior, and what you should know is that every comparison in that, or any other way, is wrong and completely unrealistic, because in running as in life someone will always be faster or slower, smarter, more resourceful… Remember that you live your life for yourself and that you should shape it according to your own wishes or plans.
DON’T TAKE ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING TOO SERIOUSLY
People are most critical of themselves, in life as in running. A clear mind, relaxation and acceptance of situations in all segments of life, including this sporting one, will make it easier to overcome obstacles and unwanted situations, because, as we already wrote at the beginning of this article, the result is important, but not always decisive. We will always be better or worse, and running is like life: an adventure full of ups and downs that we simply need to accept and be glad of, because they have taught us new lessons.