5 Ways Running Can Foster Personal Growth

Today’s newsletter is written by Letty, host of the Marathon Running Podcast and YouTube Channel:

Running isn’t just about clocking miles or chasing shiny medals—it’s like a secret life coach disguised as exercise. Whether you’re a casual jogger or a medal-hunting race addict, running has this sneaky way of making you a better human. Who knew sweating buckets could be so transformative?

Here’s how lacing up can take your personal growth to the next level:

1. Build Resilience (a.k.a. Toughen Up!)

Running has a way of throwing challenges at you—like surprise hills, random side stitches, or the weather deciding it’s time for a torrential downpour. (Thanks, Mother Nature!) But you keep going because, well, you’re stubborn. That “push through” mindset starts to spill over into life, whether you’re tackling a tough project or surviving an awkward Zoom meeting. The miles teach you to embrace discomfort and keep moving forward.

Pro tip: Next time your brain says, "I can’t," tell it, "Oh, we’re doing this." Runners are nothing if not relentless.

2. Master Goal Setting Without Losing Your Mind

Let’s be real: setting goals as a runner is a love-hate thing. Whether it’s training for a marathon or just beating your friend on Strava (don’t lie, you’ve done it), running gives you the perfect framework to set a goal, break it down, and stay committed.

The trick? Learning to balance ambition with reality. Like, sure, I’d love to run a sub-3-hour marathon, but maybe let’s start with… surviving the first 10K? That kind of measured goal-setting turns into a superpower for tackling everything—from work deadlines to figuring out how to assemble IKEA furniture.

3. Become Besties with Routine (Even When You Don’t Feel Like It)

Let me guess: you don’t always feel like running. (Shocking!) But showing up consistently is where the magic happens. Even when it’s dark, cold, and your bed is right there, running teaches you the value of sticking to a routine.

And here’s the sneaky part: once you learn to show up for yourself in running, it’s easier to do the same in other parts of life. Consistency builds confidence, and confidence builds… well, badassery.

Also, pro tip: Lay out your running gear the night before. Nothing kills your morning vibe faster than searching for a missing sock.

4. Running = The Cheapest Therapy Ever

Who needs a couch and a therapist when you’ve got the open road? Running is a moving meditation (except for when you’re dodging cars). It’s just you, your thoughts, and the sound of your shoes hitting the pavement.

You’ll find moments of mindfulness out there—those times when you zone out and suddenly notice how blue the sky is or how good it feels to just move. And gratitude? Oh, it sneaks in too. Like when you realize, “Wow, my body is actually doing this.” (Right before you trip on a crack in the sidewalk, naturally.)

5. Fall in Love with the Process (Yes, Even the Ugly Miles)

Not every run is glamorous. Some days, you’re crushing it. Other days, you’re 3 miles in and asking yourself, “Who thought this was a good idea?” But here’s the thing: running teaches you to celebrate all of it—the highs, the lows, and the slightly smelly middle.

It’s not just about the medal or the PR. It’s about what happens in the in-between. Like the random friendships formed at the starting line, the pride of showing up when you didn’t want to, and the post-run snacks (arguably the best part). Life’s a lot like that—finding joy in the grind, not just the shiny stuff.

Running isn’t just exercise—it’s a crash course in resilience, discipline, and embracing life’s weird little quirks. So, next time you’re out there, slogging through a run and questioning your life choices, remember: every step is shaping you into a better version of yourself.

Now go out there, hit the road, and grow a little. And don’t forget to reward yourself with something delicious afterward—you’ve earned it.