Always chasing down that perfect balance? As a military spouse, that’s probably a pretty normal challenge, attempting to sustain your career, keep your family happy and/or manage frequent moves and potential “single-parenting” while the service member’s gone.
That’s all the more reason that running quotes seem like just the thing to apply to military life. We’re always chasing some sort of normalcy or some sort of routine.
And even when we give up on those things, and realize we may never find normalcy or routine, life can still feel like we’re always on the run.
In some ways, it’s part of the fun of the lifestyle (and also one of its biggest obstacles.). Here are 5 motivational running quotes that aren’t just about fitness…they’re about us:
1. “It’s supposed to be hard…the hard is what makes it great.”
–Competitor.com
Indeed, no one said military life is or should be easy. It’s part of the sacrifice we all make. But it’s true that after getting through the hard part, we realize we’ve done something great (and not just for our country).
We’ve become more independent, more aware of our emotions and more grateful for the time we have with our service members. These are some of the great things about military life that non-military spouses don’t necessarily experience as often.
For the next one sub in the words “military life” for “running”:
2. “Running is a road to self-awareness and reliance–you can push yourself to extremes and learn the harsh reality of your physical and mental limitations or coast quietly down a solitary path watching the earth spin beneath your feet.”
–Doris Brown Heritage, first woman to run sub 5-minute indoor mile
The ups and downs of this life help us get in touch with who we are and what we are fully capable of. For example, every deployment is an opportunity to face new obstacles head on, using the resources we have. Some of the challenges of this life push you to emotional and even physical extremes (think moving a lot, living apart from your spouse for a year, etc).
But then there are those moments when things are a little easier, and as in a run, you can breathe easier for a bit and look around peacefully at where you’ve gotten yourself.
3. “There will be days when I don’t know if I can run a marathon. There will be a lifetime knowing that I have.”
–Unknown via Active.com
No one always feels like they can “handle it.” How many of us have said to our service members “I just don’t know if I can do this”?
Probably, a lot.
But you’ve done it before and you will always have that knowledge. No one can take it away from you. It’s an accomplishment you’ll always be proud of.
4. “Your body will argue that there is no justifiable reason to continue. Your only recourse is to call on your spirit, which fortunately functions independently of logic.”
–Tim Noakes, runner in more than 70 marathon and ultra-distance events
You know what? If you think about it, there’s no logic to marrying into a military life. There’s no rational reason to want every challenge it presents.
You’ll think this over and over for years.
But your spirit is what made you devote yourself to your spouse and your commitment to that bond is, like running long distances, free from all logic and wholly about what you feel.
5. “Never really give in as long as you have an earthly chance.”
–via Runner’s World
You’ll want to give up some days. You’ll say it’s too much. But if you have a chance, if you even think you can make it, you probably will.
There’s also a quote out there about how you’re more resilient than you realize and it’s true.
How do you know?
Because you’ve come this far, and you can keep going if you’ve got the will.
On good days and bad, these quotes can inspire.
Remember that it’s OK to need a little motivation. It’s like that morning cup of coffee that you just need to get going.
You can’t explain it, you may not even feel the effects of caffeine anymore, but sometimes the simple act of sitting down and drinking that cup is all you need.
Let these quotes be that peaceful moment in your day, as you start or end it, when you remind yourself you did it, you’re doing it and you’ll keep going.
