5 Things Running Has Taught Me To Love

There are certain things in life that you just don't get. Don't like. Flat out hate. But there are certain things in life that change you.

Before I began running, I had a different worldview. Because there's something so wildly insane about running for pleasure, about training for a marathon, that you can't come away unchanged. There is something so masochistic and idiotic and refreshing about voluntarily pounding out every ounce of energy from your bones, only to collapse in the overgrown soccer field at the end of a run on Chicago's lakefront trail.

Over the nearly five years that I've been running, some of my previous hard-headed opinions have slowly been worn down, giving way to an appreciation for things I never thought possible. Shocking, if you know me at all. Here are the 5 things that running has taught me to love:

1. Ice Packs

It's true... before I learned to run I was stubborn. Hard to believe, I know. But I hated the idea of giving in to the cold, frozen goodness that reduces swelling. It takes so much effort to sit still, my sore ankle wrapped, elevated, and resting above my heart in a bed of smushy pillows and melty baggies. But this year, I've caved. And it's amazing how good a non-swollen ankle feels! Oddly enough, sitting around and icing an injury lends itself surprisingly well to eating ice cream and watching movies.

2. Gatorade

Ahhhh... salty, limey goodness! Until recently, I've always disliked sweets and been skeptical of energy drinks. But when I discovered that my dear Fleet Feet folks who set up hydration stations along the path have a special concoction mixed with salt to replenish the buckets of sweat oozing from my pores... game on! My world will never be the same.

3. Kelly Clarkson

I've disliked this girl since the day she set foot on the stage of American Idol Season One. But, seriously. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, right?

4. Toilet Paper

Ok, so I suppose I never hated toilet paper. I was just... highly ambivalent. Never again. I love it. I am very thankful for it. Especially in a dingy, smelly public park restroom with a flushing toilet 8 miles from home.

5. Runners

Of all the things on this list, I used to harbor the most animosity for runners. Who does that? Skinny bitches, frat boys, and over-zealous elitists with no lives. Of all the things on this list, I am now most thankful for my fellow runners. I can't tell you the number of times I have been inspired by those sharing the trail with me. A friendly, "Way to go, keep it up!" as they pass on the left at twice my pace. A commiserating, "Brutal humidity out here, huh?" at my favorite water fountain stop. Without them, I couldn't do it. I am so blessed by our shared experience, however insane we may be.