The One Where You Learn About the Runners' Inner Circle of Trust

So if you're not a runner, this post may be mildly annoying to you. I remember back when I did not work out and running was not EVEN an option in my mind, I hated even hearing people talk about it, so if that's you... Come back tomorrow! But first, here's a picture of a dog in running gear for you to enjoy.

If you're sticking around, I'd like to talk about the unexpected side effects of running. Because, yes, we all know the traditional benefits/side effects of running: your butt gets smaller, your VO2 max improves, you get that endorphin high yadda yadda yadda. That is NOT what I'm talking about today. I'm talking about the things you didn't even realize were going to now be something that entered your brain. The fun side effects. Such as...

1. Suddenly, thinking about having to run through O'Hare to make the last connecting flight of the night to your hometown doesn't fill you with dread.

Run, run Rudolph! Santa's gotta make it to town!

2. You discover the runner's inner circle of trust (as I like to call it). It's that feeling when you pass another runner on the road or make eye contact with another runner on the treadmill at the gym and you both kind of nod and recognize that other person's efforts and you know what they're going through.

3. You have lots of time to think, so you start planning out music videos to the songs you're listening to, detailed revenge fantasies, what you're going to wear when you go out that night, etc.

Hahaha

4. You are better able to gauge distance in real life. Especially when driving and your GPS tells you you're going to turn in .4 miles... Now you know approximately how far ahead that will be and you don't necessarily have to immediately put on your blinker and panic that you're in the wrong lane.

5. You find yourself spending inordinate amounts of time on Nike's apparel page and wishing someone would buy you a pair of these leggings and that shirt and these shoes in all the colors in your size.

NEED

6. I know, I know, I wrote about this in my post about my latest half marathon adventure, but honestly, once you realize you have the power to start running and find yourself running further and faster and better than you have before, you come to realize that if you can run... You can do anything you want. You learn that just because the story you've always told yourself is that you can't doesn't mean that is true. You have the power at any time to stop, assess, and make a change.

If you're a runner, what kind of unexpected side effects did YOU experience when you started running?