Grace, this was a fantastic read and a beautiful reflection on running, and on life. I’m a forty-something female runner, and I’ve been running my whole life. While it’s sometimes nice to run with friends, I mostly run alone. For me, running is sacred.
It’s not about showing off, and I’m not a professional athlete chasing specific times. I simply run for myself. Running has changed over the years. I’ve run through grief and joy, sometimes to spark new ideas, sometimes to quiet the noise.
I’m competitive too, but only with myself. I want to see if I can still get faster and stronger at this age. I love racing, but I also often run without any wearables. Yes, that’s right. No tracking at all. Just shoes on, and go.
I highly recommend that more people try this, at least occasionally. Leaving their Garmins, Stravas and other trackers at home. It really removes external pressure and frees you from seeking, or even caring about, external validation. No one will know you went for a run, and that’s sometimes the beauty of it.
Thank you so much for sharing your story, Katja. It means a lot and your attitude towards running is beautiful.
I identify with so much of what you wrote. There’s something about the rhythm that organises thoughts — I love that you said it sparked ideas for you. I’ve came up with story ideas on runs before - one of which made the front page of NYT!
I used to run without for a long time without a watch and I agree there’s a freedom. I don’t really use it for anything other than recording the run at the moment - it’s both there and not there. You’ve inspired me to maybe just take it off altogether !!
Hi Grace!! Related to many of your points. Training for a marathon was definitely my "say no" card to any nightlife/binge drinking events I didn't want to go to. But also, you qualified for Boston in your first marathon?! Wow you go girl. And that part about how running stays with us through our life stages, when so much changes, actually made me a bit emotional. Love this 💜
Absolutely love this. The stuff about boundaries and saying no really hit home. I went on a similar journey last year with lots of friend birthdays where I'd would stop drinking at a certain time because I wanted to do my long run on a freshish head/get up early to do something that made me happy. I discovered so much push back in some groups, like I was betraying them by stopping drinking. Did a lot of soul searching after that and made me realise that friends are people who support you and don't drag you down. This sport has done so much for me, has given me so much confidence and I have made lifelong friendships through this sport. Thanks for writing this, it really resonated.
“Friends are people who support you and don’t drag you down” — absolutely, this! I’ve experienced this too. People find the concept of others’ growth challenging. It’s pretty sad and but there’s something liberating about realising that. Also, we don’t talk about friendship break ups or dynamics enough as adults. I moved away from certain friendships too after I started running, and stepping back from one or two left the door open for multiples of new friends who lift me up on a daily basis. Glad to hear you found your people.
I find the social shaming around not drinking really bizarre. I really don’t know why anyone cares. I love a blackcurrant squash in the pub, lol!
Grace, this was a fantastic read and a beautiful reflection on running, and on life. I’m a forty-something female runner, and I’ve been running my whole life. While it’s sometimes nice to run with friends, I mostly run alone. For me, running is sacred.
It’s not about showing off, and I’m not a professional athlete chasing specific times. I simply run for myself. Running has changed over the years. I’ve run through grief and joy, sometimes to spark new ideas, sometimes to quiet the noise.
I’m competitive too, but only with myself. I want to see if I can still get faster and stronger at this age. I love racing, but I also often run without any wearables. Yes, that’s right. No tracking at all. Just shoes on, and go.
I highly recommend that more people try this, at least occasionally. Leaving their Garmins, Stravas and other trackers at home. It really removes external pressure and frees you from seeking, or even caring about, external validation. No one will know you went for a run, and that’s sometimes the beauty of it.
Love,
Katja
Thank you so much for sharing your story, Katja. It means a lot and your attitude towards running is beautiful.
I identify with so much of what you wrote. There’s something about the rhythm that organises thoughts — I love that you said it sparked ideas for you. I’ve came up with story ideas on runs before - one of which made the front page of NYT!
I used to run without for a long time without a watch and I agree there’s a freedom. I don’t really use it for anything other than recording the run at the moment - it’s both there and not there. You’ve inspired me to maybe just take it off altogether !!
The throwback YFR pics 🫶🫶🫶
Hi Grace!! Related to many of your points. Training for a marathon was definitely my "say no" card to any nightlife/binge drinking events I didn't want to go to. But also, you qualified for Boston in your first marathon?! Wow you go girl. And that part about how running stays with us through our life stages, when so much changes, actually made me a bit emotional. Love this 💜
Thank you so much 💖💖💖 I’m excited to write the next chapter through mileage, whatever that may look like.
Well done on learning how to say no!! It’s not easy, but once you get started I find it quite addictive 😂
Absolutely love this. The stuff about boundaries and saying no really hit home. I went on a similar journey last year with lots of friend birthdays where I'd would stop drinking at a certain time because I wanted to do my long run on a freshish head/get up early to do something that made me happy. I discovered so much push back in some groups, like I was betraying them by stopping drinking. Did a lot of soul searching after that and made me realise that friends are people who support you and don't drag you down. This sport has done so much for me, has given me so much confidence and I have made lifelong friendships through this sport. Thanks for writing this, it really resonated.
“Friends are people who support you and don’t drag you down” — absolutely, this! I’ve experienced this too. People find the concept of others’ growth challenging. It’s pretty sad and but there’s something liberating about realising that. Also, we don’t talk about friendship break ups or dynamics enough as adults. I moved away from certain friendships too after I started running, and stepping back from one or two left the door open for multiples of new friends who lift me up on a daily basis. Glad to hear you found your people.
I find the social shaming around not drinking really bizarre. I really don’t know why anyone cares. I love a blackcurrant squash in the pub, lol!