We have one big rule in our house. “Be Kind.” We emphasize this rule with each other, when we are heading to school or the sitters, and even when we watch TV. As parents, our biggest goal is to raise kind human beings. I truly believe that the world could use a lot more kindness, and I hope to start by helping my two little ones to learn to treat others with love.
Several of my friends are training for the Boston Marathon and I have been enjoying watching their progress on social media. One of my friends mentioned how she had been really struggling with her training but on one particular run, she embraced being kind to herself. She mentioned that she had forgotten this important rule for running and by bringing this back into her training, everything changed.
I discuss this a lot. It isn’t something revolutionary. We all know that running is hard. Many people don’t run because it can be difficult. Even seasoned runners have moments of struggle. This is an essential part of the sport. To become a distance runner you have to embrace these struggles.
If you choose to be negative, your runs will likely be hard. Negativity will also impact your perceived exertion.
On the flip side, when we become kind and positive minded runners, everything gets a little better. Perceived exertion lessens and longer runs can feel less daunting.
Can you imagine spending a long run beating yourself up? I certainly would want to quit after a few miles of contemplating all that was going wrong. But with endorphins from exercise pumping through your body and some kind thoughts about yourself and your activity, time spent running can actually be enjoyable.
Even better, the feeling lasts beyond your run. When you spend miles thinking positive thoughts and keeping a kind inner dialogue, you will leave the run with a positive outlook. More endorphins and happy feelings will carry you through the day and even into the night.
It is so great to think that even when the world can be less than kind, you can take positive action and be kind to yourself on a run. The kindness will pour over into the rest of your day and it might just rub off on those around you.
Running On Healthy 
So true! If only we were all more kind!
I agree. It goes both ways. We need to be kind to each other, but I think we are often pretty unkind to ourselves too.
Gosh I love this. Sunday I tried to hard to give myself a pep talk but gosh it just wasn’t happening.
Somedays are definitely better than others. On days that it just isn’t working, I think it is great to give it your best and try to encourage yourself. And then give yourself the grace to just go home and try again another time.
Well said. I sure tried self talk during my run. But my body just gave out. Next time for sure will be better.