This post has not been vetted or endorsed by BuzzFeed's editorial staff. BuzzFeed Community is a place where anyone can create a post or quiz. Try making your own!
1. It's never too early for bedtime
2. You keep hoping motivational alarms will make early wake ups easier
3. But quickly realize they don't
4. You become aware of muscles and bones you never knew existed.
5. And worry about any little pain
6. Going downstairs
7. Going upstairs
8. Black toenails… muscle cramps… sore muscles…
9. But chaffing
10. ... and the first few seconds in the shower
11. You discover the miracle of foam rolling
12. And you embark on an endless search for anything else to massage your muscles
13. You learn that swinging your arms can make you faster
14. But then you're told you have to relax your shoulders
15. Some days you feel unstoppable
16. Others not so much
17. You spend a lot of time searching for the perfect running shoe
18. And many pairs later...
19. ... you finally find the one
20. You practice ingesting liquids on the move
21. But still can't do it right
22. And no matter how much you drink all day, you'll still be thirsty
23. You finally understand why they're called runner's runs
24. And why dinner has to be closely monitored
25. You own a collection of energy gels, powders and snacks
26. And you learn the hard way that more isn't always better
27. You want to brag about your longest run yet
28. And secretly sneer at someone's 10k
29. But are quickly humbled when you learn about ultras
30. On strength day you drag yourself to the gym
31. And struggle to complete even one set
32. You begin to wonder what your life would be like without training
33. But then you have nightmares about the marathon being cancelled
34. You picture yourself crossing the finish line
35. But force yourself to live one day at a time because this amount of running makes you want to cry
36. You accumulate an enviable list of songs
37. But sometimes even those can't take you to the finish
38. After long runs you feel amazing
39. Nothing or nobody stands a chance against you
40. Until you remember about next weekend's distance
41. So you try to explain why you're doing this
42. But the truth is you don't even know
43. Maybe it's the bling
44. Or the runners' high
45. Or being part of something bigger
46. Or maybe you just want to feel alive
Share This Article
