5 Lessons Running Has Taught Me to Help Keep My Life in Balance

Ever since I’ve been into distance running, all 3 years or so, I have worn Asics Kayanos. I love the snug fit of a new pair, and I love even more the way they seem to age so well with my feet.  But, this is not a review about my Asics.  For, I not only love the shoes, I love the meaning of Asics. To quote from the Asics website:

“In 1949, Mr. Kihachiro Onitsuka began his athletic footwear company (Onitsuka Co., Ltd.) by manufacturing basketball shoes out of his living room in Kobe, Japan. He chose the name ASICS for his company in 1977, based on a famous Latin phrase "Anima Sana In Corpore Sano", which when translated expresses the ancient ideal of "A Sound Mind in a Sound Body." Taking the acronym of this phrase, ASICS was founded on the belief that the best way to create a healthy and happy lifestyle is to promote total health and fitness.”

My father would love this from Mr. Onitsuka; they apparently both had a love for the Latin language.  But, for my life, I would like to add “sound spirit,” to this equation.  A fine gentleman and friend of mine, Don Jordan shared with me some years ago that life was like a stool with three legs.  All of the legs must be in balance or else the stool would wobble, and possibly tip over.  So for this discussion, I would like to propose a three legged stool with sound mind, sound body and sound spirit as the legs. And I’d like to share how running has given me some lessons to help me keep all three of these facets in balance for my life. 

I’ve come up with 5 lessons that I have learned while hitting the pavement, through the heat and humidity, cool icy breezes and glorious blue-sky days; with red sky sunrises and orange sunsets through the trees, and everything in between; from dry dusty gravel roads, paved-paths through the woods, and big diesel-engine-roaring main drags. We runners know all the natural elements that accompany us along the miles and miles as we search for truths, joys, accomplishment and ourselves.

And so, here are my 5 lessons that come from my “road less traveled.” These have been beneficial in helping keep my three legged stool of life in balance.

To Get to the Finish Line, You Need a Long Term Plan

But, Sometimes You Need to Focus on the Moment

Without the Right Fuel, You’ll run Out of Gas

Rest Days are Important

Running and Life are Better with a Group

In the coming days, I will follow up with thoughts and examples of how these lessons fit into my life, and I look forward to comments and experiences you may have that have meaning for you as well.  So, for this Friday I hope you have success in your endeavors this weekend, and that you may find peace and balance in your life.