Getting Comfortable Being Uncomfortable

Written by Jack Meixelsperger

 

Running is an integral part of my life, and has been especially over the past few years as I've grown to enjoy it more. It's one of those things that helps keep me motivated each day and provides some relief from the stressors of everyday life. Thankfully, my motivation to run has grown more into a need for fun and the enjoyment of outside, compared to the feelings of needing to get out and train for an upcoming race as the major purpose. While racing hasn't always been the sole source of motivation in the past, it definitely took some precedence above other things. This crazy year we call 2020 has helped to shift motivation to run away from racing, since all my events were cancelled, and moved it towards the enjoyment of just getting out the door for some healthy miles. Additionally, there is also something about being at our Fleet Feet running store that just gets me itching to lace up and go. While it is hard to pinpoint a specific factor here, I believe it's a mix of surrounding myself with fun and knowledgeable coworkers, enjoying a great chat with customers as I help them to accomplish their goals, and simply being in such an upbeat, lively atmosphere filled with runners' gear galore. 

 

One aspect that I find really cool about running is that it often teaches you to become more comfortable with being uncomfortable, which I feel is something that everyone needs in their life, especially this year. Getting out for a run when there is every urge not to, even if it's just for a mile, usually makes the day feel like a win. Getting more comfortable with being uncomfortable through running makes obstacles and challenges of everyday life become more manageable, which seems like a great way to move on up through life. Whether it be running, walking, doing math problems, or whatever it may be that gets you more comfortable with being uncomforatble, go ahead and rise to the challenge. You'll be glad you did.