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The Happy Friday Series: Running To Happiness

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laura-click-marathon.jpgFor most of my life, I hated running.

Although I played sports growing up, running more than one lap around the track was pure torture to me.

I played volleyball and softball, which only required running in short spurts. And in track, I only sprinted a short distance before leaping into the sandpit for long jump or triple jump or running three-quarters of the way around the track peppered with hurdles.

Running was never my thing. It was purely a means to an end.

But, three years ago, that changed.

In 2010, I realized my metabolism wasn’t what it used to be and I needed to do something drastic to get my body back in shape.

So, I signed up for a half marathon.

A pretty crazy notion for someone who hated running and had never ran more than three miles. But, I joined a training program and was determined to reach this goal and prove to myself I could do it.

But, something happened along the way that I didn’t expect.

I actually started to enjoy running.

Running Improved Business, Health, Happiness

After finishing that first race, I was hooked. So far, I have run five half marathons and one full marathon.

So, why do I like running so much? Here are a few reasons:

It gives me much-needed time to think and de-stress. Spending time away from work, technology and other distractions is so rewarding. Sometimes, I just let my mind wander. And other times, I come up with blog post ideas or solve business issues while on a run. Either way, I enjoy the escape.

It forces me to get outside. As someone who sits in front of a computer all day, I often lament that I don’t get as much time outdoors as I would like. Running gives me the chance to see the beautiful world around me. I’ve witnessed spectacular sunrises, explored new places and have experienced the magic of running in the snow. Being in nature is good for my soul.

I’ve made new friends. I love the camaraderie of training with a running group. During the long runs, you have nothing to do but to talk and get to know the people around you. We talk about books, relationships and business. And, it’s incredibly rewarding to get to know people from different walks of life and work toward a goal together.

Running is Hard, But Rewarding

Before you think that running is all rainbows and unicorns, I’ll be honest. Long-distance running is tough.

Running my fist full marathon last fall was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. There are days I don’t want to get out the door. And, sometimes, there is pain, soreness and injury.

But, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Running has made me a stronger person – both mentally and physically. It’s given me mental toughness and has made me more confident in myself.

Running has also made me a better business owner. It’s no coincidence that I started running the same year I started my marketing company.

But, ultimately, running has made me a happier, healthier person.

Before you think I’m going to tell you to lace up your shoes and start running, I’m not.

But, I encourage you to look for a physical activity to try – not just because it’s good for your health, but also because it’s good for your spirit.

Are you a runner? If not, do you engage in some sort of physical activity or exercise? How does that contribute to your happiness?

About The Author

laura-click.jpgLaura Click is founder & CEO of Blue Kite Marketing, a Nashville-based digital marketing firm that builds and implements marketing strategies to help businesses reach new heights. You can connect with Laura on Twitter (@lauraclick) or by checking out her blog.

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Soulati Media On The Street With Pure Barre Dayton

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pure-barre.jpgIn this edition of Soulati Media On The Street, Jayme Soulati (that’s me) had the distinct pleasure of speaking with Pure Barre Dayton Owners Janna Williams and Joanie Green. Their new personal fitness studio is located in the Heart of Centerville, and it’s one of the hottest fitness trends streaking across America.

The two share what Pure Barre is, and why it’s good for women and some men. As Janna shares, it’s group fitness meets ballet barre (maybe she had a better answer than that, but you’ll need to watch and find out!).

Join any of the Pure Barre studios cropping up in your location; when you do a search on Facebook, there are nearly a dozen. I’m impressed, and I’m going to take my first class soon…really, really soon. Ahem.

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Soulati Media On The Street: Body Z Alive Hydrotherapy

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In Santa Monica last week, a surprise “gift” by my cousin provided a bit of nervous Nelly freak out, fear and eventual appreciation for the oft misunderstood service called colon hydrotherapy aka colonic.

In this Soulati Media On The Street interview, you’ll meet the zenmeister herself, Louretta Walker, owner of Body Z Alive in Santa Monica. She shared with me why hydrotherapy is important to a healthy colon for detox, lightness, emotional balance, and for hydration.

Here’s a secret, because the first time is always a bit scary, I recommend going again knowing the process. And, when you have a pro like Lou to lead one through the steps, there’s no question you’re in good care.

I promise to answer all curious George questions in comments and more sensitive ones via email! Giggle.

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Pepsi & Whose Accountability?

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I wrote recently about Pepsi and Waste Management’s big thrust into kiosk recycling with points awarded to those who deposit their trash. My post was on the strength of the media relations results I saw supporting the launch strategy; impressive. This week’s newly designed and jam-packed Bloomberg BusinessWeek also boasted a story hit for the partnership’s new recycling program – another huge win for public relations.

On the flip side, my blog post sparked a comment that Pepsi was contributing to obesity in the U.S.; the writer was none too happy with my “good job, Pepsi marketing public relations kudos.”

He got me thinking.

Via Fast Company, April; "Made to Stick" Courtesy of New York City Health Department

When I saw the April Fast Company “Made to Stick” column written by Dan Heath and Chip Heath, it was time to put these brain spurts into a semblance of something. The Heaths suggested soda pop may be the next venue for health wars. Gotta love Fast Company headlines that tell the whole story, “After seeing a strikingly effective ad campaign, (the Heaths) wonder whether sodas will be the next cigarettes.”

Back in my Chicago agency days, I represented the National Association of Concessionaires when the Center for Science in the Public Interest attacked the food chain one fat gram after another. The NAC was targeted for theater popcorn – the highly salted, loaded-with-butter, heart-attack-waiting-to-happen snack. Chinese food was next in line.

Where’s  corporate responsibility in this world? Is it a company’s mission to ensure the products it manufactures are healthy, low-fat, low-sugar and contribute to the overall wellness of the nation? Or, isn’t it?

How about the other factor in this equation = you + me. What we place in our mouth has a lot to do with choice. Whether we elect to live life on the couch is all about self-accountability. Is it a corporation’s business to ensure my healthy future or should I be accountable, too?

(P.S. In my late-night reading, I tore from the May Scientific American a Perspectives column, “Underage, Overweight; The federal government needs to halt the marketing of unhealthy foods to kids.”

It’s a can of worms, Folks; you be the judge.

(Thanks to Michelle Hellyar for her low- calorie, low- sugar, low-fat  brain power on this.)