Feb
11 Why Do You Run?

To me, “More Miles More Smiles” doesn’t necessarily mean enjoying running every time I’m out there.  At times, running is the last thing I want to do.  It can be difficult, painful, and sometimes downright boring.  I understand that there are people out there who actually enjoy the act of running.  They enjoy the pain of pushing themselves and never find a single step of their run boring.  However, I am not one of them; and honestly, I think that’s ok.  It’s possible that it’s not the act of running that draws us to this hobby or sport.

With that being said, I still stand by the term “More Miles More Smiles”.  For me, and I’m sure many others, the smiles come after. People run for a million different reasons.  That reason could be to relieve stress.  It could be to work on your health.  Or it could be to get that beach body for that upcoming vacation.  Honestly, I’m no different.  I run for the results as well.  I run to be a better version of me than I was the day before.  After a run, no matter how painful or boring, I know that I am bettering myself both mentally and physically.  It really is an excellent feeling.  Personally, I haven’t found too many other hobbies that have that type of instant gratification.  

“More Miles More Smiles” means something different to everyone.  Every mile run is so drastically different from person to person.  Miles are done at different paces, on different surfaces, with different people, in different weather, and for different reasons.  But the smiles that come from it are very similar.  It’s extremely apparent that the running community bleeds positivity.  It’s a feeling that I have recently been consumed by since hearing of the MMMS philosophy.

This philosophy has really helped me as a runner.  For a long time, I struggled to run as a hobby.  It’s hard to get out the door when there is nobody making me.  And I absolutely respect each person out there that can do this.  No matter what pace or distance, I am amazed by people who run even when nobody is making them.  It took me a long time to understand that it’s ok to not always enjoy running.  But to make sure to get out the door each day to get the feeling that comes after running.

So whether your smiles come during the run or slightly after, keep getting those miles in, because the smiles are contagious.

To me, “More Miles More Smiles” means running even when nobody is watching.

What does it mean to you?

*Jonathon Roberts is a freelance blogger and member of the More Mile More Smiles marketing crew!*