Life Advice From Running (Alternate Title: Embracing Your Crazy)

Running and life in general have many similarities. Here are a few of my favorite thoughts, taken from the miles I've spent on the road:

• Sometimes you're going to love it. It's going to make you feel like you're invincible and you're never going to want to stop. Ever.
• Sometimes you're going to hate it. There will be days when hardest thing to do is wake up and step foot out the door. It's going to hurt. It's going to make you depressed. It's going to make you cry and whine and complain. Keep your eyes on the horizon. This too shall pass.
• Every step is valuable. Pace Yourself. Every journey begins with one step. To achieve your goal just put one foot in front of the other. Always remember that slow is considered a speed.
• There will always be someone a step ahead. But also always someone a step behind. Just do your best, that is what's important.
• Don't lose focus because people pass you. It's impossible to compare yourself to others, because each person is unique, has their own goals and has experienced things differently. 
• Appearances can be deceiving. Not only do  the slowest looking people at the starting line end up smoking you at the finish, but sometimes the horizon hides even more challenges. Just when you think you've got it all figured out, you get thrown a curve ball. Around every corner is another corner.
• Pain is temporary. Remember that nothing lasts forever. If it hurts now, it will eventually stop hurting and you will feel better.
• Sometimes people will think you're crazy. That's OK. Everyone is crazy in their own special way. Embrace your crazy.
• It's easier with a goal. You can go about it day to day, wandering the streets, but with a specific goal in mind you can stay focused.
• You can go at it alone, but it's more fun with a friend. Support each other through the ups and downs. Sometimes the most priceless thing you can have is a cheering section.
• Practice makes perfect. Preparation is key - you get out of it what you put into it. Every minute spent practicing helps the end result be successful. The more you do it, the easier it gets.
• Look ahead, but not too far ahead.  Finish lines may appear closer than they really are.
  
• There will always be hills to climb. You won't be climbing forever. Remember what goes up, must come down.
• It's never too late to begin. If you wait until you're "good enough" at something, you'll run out of time. 
• The perfect shoes for you are the ones that fit your feet. If the shoe fits, wear it. Don't be distracted by pretty colors or what the cute athletic salesman is trying to talk you into buying. You know yourself better than anyone, and you know what works for you. Stick with it.
• There's a difference between "I don't want to" and "I can't". Find something that inspires you and motivates you, and cling to it.
• Just because something is simple doesn't mean it's easy. If it were easy, everyone would be doing it.
  
• Sometimes it's just a big mind game. Are you eating properly? Have you practiced enough? Are you dressed appropriately? You are your own worst enemy. Stop thinking so much and embrace the moment. 
• Sometimes you need a break. The worst thing you can do is burn yourself out. Take a step back if you need to recharge and refocus on the big picture.
• Watch where you plant your feet. You don't wanna fall off a curb or end up in a hole.
• Be well rounded. Don't focus on one thing. Embrace different activities. (Cross-training!) 
• Things seem to go better with music. And prayer. And maybe beer. Maybe.
• You are inspirational. Others have inspired you, and whether you realize it or not, you are inspiring others.
• Breathe. Enjoy the journey. 

Happy Running!