Running is symbolic for me. It’s more than staying fit and healthy, it’s about knowing that I can keep putting one foot in front of the other despite feeling like I can’t. Through running I have learned about myself. I’ve learned that even when I get a side-splitting cramp only three miles into a seven miles run that it’s not the end of the world. I can work through a cramp. I can walk. Running the race may mean that I need to listen to my body, rest and tackle that run again when I’m stronger. It means not quitting.

Everyone faces difficult situations or even simple circumstances that you would rather not deal with. It’s a part of living. It’s what we do during those trying times that makes us strong for the future. Whether that means being friendly to the irascible neighbors, or donating your time and energy to help someone in need, or contributing to others when their lives have been devastated. Maybe running the race for you is playing with your kids when you’re exhausted from a long day or helping someone move in the pouring rain or walking the dog so your spouse doesn’t have to.

Each step we take, every choice we make defines us as individuals. How do your decisions define you? At the end of the day can you look back on it and be proud of what you said, what you did, how hard you worked at putting one foot in front of the other?

While I do feel it’s good to set goals and accomplish them, running is not just about finishing the race, it’s about being proud of the race you’ve run once you get to the end.