When I set a goal on July 1, 2024, I had no idea what lay ahead. I simply wanted to see if I could be more consistent with running by logging at least 7 miles every week for 12 months. Two months into this runfest, I would learn how keeping up with this goal would be just as much for my mental health as my physical health.

While I have been semi-consistently running for about 10 years, I would find myself running primarily to train for races. So, in the words of famous ultra-runner Forest Gump, I wanted to reach the comfortably consistent place of “I just felt like running.”

One year ago, in the middle of summer while camping, there I was, squeezing in a 95-degree, very humid 5K run during sunset at the end of that first week. My Garmin gave me my first max heart rate warning as sweat stung my eyes and blurred my vision. I then made a mental note that weekly planning and weather forecast monitoring would have to be involved in this quest.

And the learning began.

1. Movement (especially outdoors) is important for mental and emotional health.

My family and I had to quarantine from October to March. Due to complications after a T-cell transplant to fight cancer, my husband, a multiple myeloma patient, was in the hospital four different times. These months as a caregiver, dealing with neurotoxicity and Parkinsonism side effects, were very stressful; on top of being in isolation to keep germs and illnesses away from his compromised immune system during peak flu season. 

Because I had this running streak going, the first-born hard-headedness in me did not want to break it. So, I pressed on; many times, utilizing the treadmill we obtained for free (that’s a story for another time) at the beginning or end of long days spent at the hospital. Therefore, the times I could venture further away, pounding pavement through neighboring neighborhoods or the trails of a nearby wooded park, the stats I’ve always known were all the more magnified. 

Time outdoors greatly impacts stress levels. My heart rate may be sky high, but my anxiety is lower than a snake’s belly in a wagon rut. Uncomplicated recreation outdoors, whether running, walking, working in the yard, etc., is so good for us in so many ways.

In his book, What I Talk About When I Talk About Running, Japanese writer and runner Haruki Murakami, explains that “to deal with something unhealthy, a person needs to be as healthy as possible.” I discovered the truth in this statement. As treatments wreaked havoc on my husband’s weakened body, I needed to be strong — physically, mentally, and spiritually. Running released the endorphins and serotonin my body needed, and God provided the strength. 

And bonus: Any headaches, from anxiety or otherwise, were completely relieved every time I started running. Nature’s Excedrin right there, folks.

2. We are our greatest competitors.

I’m not a competitive person per se, but I am very competitive with myself. And I’ve realized that may not be a bad thing. We should strive to improve and grow each day, pushing ourselves while also pulling a bit of grace along for the ride. 

In the words of Murakami, “For me, running is both exercise and a metaphor… I’m no great runner, by any means… But that’s not the point. The point is whether or not I improved over yesterday. In long-distance running, the only opponent you have to beat is yourself, the way you used to be.”

Watch out, yesterday Christen.

3. It feels good to do something good when you don't feel like doing it. 

Murakami says, “In most cases, learning something essential in life requires physical pain.” I believe another way to say this is “no pain, no gain.” Now, I have learned many life lessons during physical pain, but I also think any discomfort can apply to this bummer of a truth. 

Pain stinks.

But the lessons learned, the obstacles overcome, the growth gained — it’s worth it.

4. Time must be budgeted just like money.

Financial guru Dave Ramsey says, “If you don’t tell your money where to go, you’re going to wonder where it went.” 

Time can sometimes feel even more elusive than money. I tried to plan out my weekly runs at the beginning of the week. Some weeks, I ran well over the 7-mile goal. Other weeks, I was squeaking in mile 7 on Saturday night. But the real lesson learned here is this: If I can make time for a running goal, I can make time for XYZ.

“To keep on going, you have to keep up the rhythm. This is the important thing for long-term projects. Once you set the pace, the rest will follow,” explains Murakami.

I ran over 400 miles in the past 52 weeks. I ran for more than 64 hours. This was not a grand feat. Many runners conquer this within a couple of months. This was a simple goal. One that I will keep going. Because the comprehensive health benefits of being consistently active produce immediate peace as well as long-term future investments. I think Mr. Ramsey would agree.

Plus, I’d have to agree with the late Eric Liddell, Scottish Olympic sprinter and missionary, when he said, “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast! And when I run, I feel his pleasure.” 

Well, He did not make me fast, but He did make me able. And walking (or running) with Him — that is the ultimate goal.

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