I once dreamed of having a “26.2” sticker on my car. Those stickers usually accompany phrases like “My Child is an Honor Roll Student,” but my vehicle doesn’t display either. To be honest, I’ve never excelled in sports, often finding myself the last pick during school gym class. However, I eventually took up running, becoming competitive—but mostly with myself. This self-competition sometimes bordered on obsession. For years, I viewed my running as a matter of survival until I reached the realization that simply participating was enough.
Throughout my years of running, I pushed myself like Forrest Gump, traversing small towns until my body began to protest. Countless injuries and chiropractic visits couldn’t dissuade me from the sport I loved. Reflecting on it, I’m still uncertain whether I was running towards something or fleeing from it.
After each run, especially when grappling with injuries, I would tell myself, “That was good enough.” Yet, “good enough” felt like a concession, a sign of failure, and it often led me to question both my abilities and my worth based on how well I had performed. It became a cycle of pushing through pain and seeking perfection, believing that failure was unacceptable.
Recently, however, I felt a shift within myself. Just last week, I laced up my shoes and stepped outside without a specific agenda—no defined route or distance to conquer. For the first time, I simply ran. In the past, I was fixated on my pace and mileage, constantly checking my watch or monitoring my stride.
Last week, I looked up for the first time. My experience was transformed; running became about gratitude for what my body could achieve and appreciating the world around me. I ran four miles, and for the first time, I realized that it wasn’t merely good enough—it was simply enough, without any qualifiers.
I may not have that coveted 26.2 sticker, but I’ve reached a stage in my life where I’m content just showing up. This act of participation reflects pride, confidence, and a deep appreciation for my body’s capabilities. My efforts are enough. Like a long run, this journey has unfolded at its own pace, teaching me that I will arrive at my destination when I’m ready.
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Summary
Running has been a journey of self-discovery, leading to a new understanding of self-worth. It transformed from a competitive endeavor to a meaningful experience of gratitude and acceptance. Emphasizing the importance of simply participating, I learned that my efforts are sufficient, and so am I.
Keyphrase: running and self-worth
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