1. Runners develop a mindset of always pushing themselves. No one else will push you for you. Running is an individual sport and it ultimately comes down to the individual to be successful or not. It’s up to me to finish the race for my own success.
2. Runners set goals. These goals can range from silly to monumental. I can set my sights on a stop sign and that can be my goal. Or I can plan on running Leadville one day. And goals are everywhere in between. Right now my goal is to stay on track with my marathon training plan.
3. Runners are sick less. There is scientific evidence that not only are runners sick less, but when they do get sick it’s for a shorter duration than the average Joe. Which leads me to number 4…
4. Runners tend to mitigate non-perilous health issues. Toe hurts — is it broken? No. Keep running. Arm’s falling asleep? Change the way you’re holding your arm. Got a cough? Suck it up. We push through illnesses and ailments when the general population would rather rest and recover.
5. Runners are stubborn. I’m not even going to qualify that statement. We all know it’s true.
6. Runners are optimistic. See #4. Being an optimist is generally a good thing, but can sometimes be a bad thing if you overdo it.
7. Runners are competitive. If we weren’t, we wouldn’t be very good at our sport. Even if we’re merely chasing a PR and not elite status. Every goal, every competition counts.
