The Joy of Running

"Over the years, I've run many marathons and half-marathons. Each run brought its own challenge, but the real reward was never just clocking a fast time. It was the process of training, of learning what my body could do, and of setting a goal that required a degree of discipline, patience and commitment. Running has taught me how to persist when things feel uncomfortable and how satisfying it is to keep going anyway."

"One of the great joys of running a marathon is witnessing the shared humanity of it all. People of every age, shape, and background line up together, many tackling the distance for the very first time. Volunteers give up their free time, and spectators show up with signs, cheers, and encouragement for strangers. For a day, everyone is united, by the simple goal of moving forward, one step at a time, to the finish line."

"I recently completed the Honolulu Marathon with a close friend who grew up in Hawaii. We are of similar age and fitness and trained hard for this event. But this time, we realized we had to adapt. Rather than running continuously, we adopted a run-walk method, an approach that emphasizes sustainability over speed. It is reminiscent of the famous Aesop's fable The Tortoise and the Hare."

Running provides freedom, routine, friendship, and a quiet sense of purpose that can evolve with age. Marathon and half-marathon training cultivates discipline, patience, commitment, and an understanding of personal limits through consistent practice. The shared environment of marathon events brings people of all ages and backgrounds together, supported by volunteers and spectators united around the common goal of reaching the finish line. Adapting methods such as planned run-walk intervals supports longevity, lowers physical strain, and preserves enjoyment by emphasizing sustainability over speed. The run-walk approach, popularized by Jeff Galloway, allows experienced runners to continue participating while adjusting intensity.

Read at Psychology Today