March 2024 - The Mental Benefits of Running

As some of my closest friends and family know, 2024 has not been kind to our family. Last month my mom passed after a long battle with Alzheimer's. Last week my wife lost her dad, his wife and a nephew - all in the span of 4 days. We've seen the inside of a funeral home far too much in the span of 4 weeks. Without running and exercise during this time, we both would've certainly been hit with depression more severely.

My wife and I have been runners for decades. We've used running as much for mental fitness as physical. There is something calming and peaceful when you run - whether alone or with friends. There have been countless studies that have proven both the mental and physical benefits or running that support what we feel each and every week. I have the most creativity during and immediately after a run also. It's like a run makes you super-focused on all the positive aspects of life.

Our store manager Tony echoes these feelings: "I get the blues. At least that's what I call it. Depression, anxiety - that feeling of wanting to be closed out from the world. It comes and goes. Some days it gets triggered by something, other days it comes out of nowhere. Some of the worst days came when I was training for my first marathon. It was a struggle to get up but I knew, regardless of how heavy things felt, that I needed to get out the door and get my miles in. Down days, up days, rain or shine - I laced up and put my best foot forward, literally and mentally. Some days it turned things around, or at minimum it made a difficult day easier. Even on the occasion where it didn't feel like it helped - it helped. Running is the perfect metaphor for life - steady on the uphills, smooth on the downhills. Some climbs are steeper, but we keep going. Running has opened up so much for me, it literally changed my life. It taught me that I can set goals and accomplish them. I know that running isn't about another person's pace, or the latest gear - it's about my measurement of success and accomplishment. I have learned gratitude, fortitude and patience. There are still mornings where I wake up and start back at zero, but when I look at my shoes that I set aside, I know the day will slowly work its way up to a 10. Waking up with loved ones, a roof over my head and a few miles to start the day - that in itself is a 10 out of 10. For anyone struggling - you matter, you're important and much like training for a race - the reward is the work, the journey - not the finish line. So keep going."

Our family's recent tragedies have also elevated our focus on nutrition, as all of these could have either been prevented or significantly delayed by a combination of healthy eating habits and exercise. You also don't have to run; you can walk or just move regularly throughout the day. Getting outside is also the best place to move... out in nature and (mostly) fresh air. 

Even though this year has not started out as planned, we're grateful for those who are still here and around us. Family, friends, our loyal customers and our local community. You've all helped us get through these difficult times and we know that brighter days are ahead.

- Dave Wright, Owner