There is a natural joy derived from running, one so natural and inherent in our nature and design that it brings out big smiles and often laughter. The toddler is not taught to run, young children are naturally inclined to start running as soon as they master the balance and art of walking. Any parent knows, nearly as soon as they start walking they are running! Often when children start running, it’s followed with laughter and smiles.
There is joy in running. Natural, inherent and purposeful joyful. Scientifically proven to release biochemicals in the body that support mental clarity, emotional resiliency and physical adaptations that support growth and survival. Do you remember how much fun the game of “tag” was in elementary school? Or running down the road to your friends house or simply running faster to experience the mystical powers of what New Shoes hold.
I’m here to tell you, you can find that joy again! Especially when it comes to the allure and magic of new shoes. However, there is a harsh reality we must face as adults to experience that joy again. It must be earned, through hard work, tenacity and persistence. Gone are the days of walking out the door, jumping down the steps and breaking into a run for the pure enjoyment of it, laughing along the way. That’s for children. We’re adults and with that is a myriad of factors that seemingly detract and deter us from experiencing that joy again.
The good news is, we’re adults and we can make our own choices for our own lives. We can choose and commit to the pursuit of happiness and wellness. Even better, as adults you’ll experience not just the joy of running, but you may find every aspect of your life improves, thus making life holistically more enjoyable!
You should choose to run in 2026.
Incorporating running into your life will require discipline, planning, tenacity and a commitment to action. These things will do more than just increase your running performance, they have a tangible and real cross over effect into most other aspects of your life.
With running there are no short-cuts, advantages or secrets. It takes individual effort and consistency. Your results and improved performance is a direct reflection of your choices and actions. There are positive mental and emotional feedback loops that happens in running as your physical running improves. You start to feel good. You start to feel better about yourself. You start to feel more capable of doing hard things. You build confidence in your ability. These positive returns into the mind and spirit are earned, never given. They are powerful, because they are derived from within by your own choices and actions. It feels good to accomplish hard things.
Comfort is a Lie.
Running one-mile is hard. Moving your own body, on your own feet under your own power for 5,280ft can feel like a daunting task, especially if you are new to running. It can get uncomfortable quick, but I’m here to tell you that’s a good thing. Building the mental fortitude to push yourself into discomfort and having the discipline and will power to persevere builds toughness. It builds resiliency. It builds capacity to do more. It will build confidence.
We are now one week into 2026 and those seedlings of habit are starting to form and sprout. Running is so much more than just the physical act of running, it is about establishing healthy habits by making intentional choices through discipline. If you haven’t started running yet in 2026, there is no better time to start than now.
Just Keep Showing Up.
It’s the best advice I’ve ever received and given when it comes to running.
Just Keep Showing Up!
National “Quitters Day” is the second Friday of January, a date where most American’s quit on themselves, their goals and their resolutions. Don’t fall victim to self doubt or external influences distracting you from pursuing a better life. Just keep showing up, no matter how difficult the day is.