Monday Musing: Global Running Day is this Wednesday! Have you ever wondered how a simple run can transform your day—and maybe even your life?

Running is my go-to exercise, but it wasn’t always that way. I first dipped my toes into the world of running when I took on the Busselton Ironman in 2015. Which as I type I realise is quite an absurd thing to write… I don’t recommend doing the couch-to-ironman-in-100-days start to running like I did. However setting myself an audacious challenge definitely forced me to commit to running! 

To be clear, it wasn’t love at first stride.  Those initial weeks were tough; each run felt like a slog. I had to keep reminding myself to just show up and put one foot in front of the other. But then, something magical happened. I hit a blissful tipping point (which is probably a baseline cardio fitness!), where I started craving the endorphins and the mindfulness that running offers.

I’m not training for anything right now (although I am itching for a new challenge, so hit me up with ideas!), but I run at least 5 days a week. Mostly, I’m just trying to keep up with my wife! Beyond that, I run to be ready for anything life throws at me. Here’s how:

Builds Confidence and Momentum: Even though I run a lot, there are still days when it feels tough. But if I can conquer a challenging run, what else can I tackle? And if I start my day with a run, it creates momentum that carries through the rest of the day. It’s like the ‘make your bed’ idea—one small win sets a positive tone.

What small win can you incorporate into your morning routine to set a positive tone for the rest of your day?

Promotes Mindfulness and Perspective: Running gives me space to reflect, practice mindfulness, and hit the reset button. Particularly since reading ‘Breath‘ by James Nestor (a must-read!) I am so focused on getting my breathing right while running I can’t think of much else which means my mind gets a break. It’s glorious.  And I often find that I come back to a problem or situation with greater clarity and focus after running.

How do you currently create space for mindfulness in your daily routine? 

I hope this motivates you to lace up and hit the pavement (or treadmill) this Global Running Day. Embrace the journey and happy running!

What gets your heart pumping and brings you joy?

Use Global Running Day as a trigger to give running a try if you’re not a runner or to help a friend start.

P.S. Not a runner but want to start? Programs like Couch to 5K or my inspiring friend Turia Pitt’s beginner program, make starting fun and achievable.

P.P.S. I’m sharing more lessons on focus, resilience, and mental strength that running has taught me in Love Mondays More today. Check it out!

What I’ve been up to over the week that was.

I had the absolute pleasure of heading to the beautiful Gold Coast to deliver a keynote at the AISNSW ICT Management and Leadership Conference 2024 on Friday. My presentation centered on the transformative power of emotional intelligence in effective communication—a topic that resonates deeply in today’s dynamic leadership landscape, especially in our tech-enhanced world. And, of course, I managed to fit in a run!

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Hot tip: Listen to the first five minutes on Audible – or sign up for a trial and listen to the full book for free!