every day is an adventure running is happiness

The word 'happiness' sometimes seems too common in this era where everyone pursues uniqueness, making it seem insignificant. In reality, it's not that complicated.For boys who love gaming, fighting alongside their brothers is happiness; for girls who love dressing up, buying a beautiful piece of clothing while shopping is happiness; and for someone who loves sports, running or hiking is happiness...

Happiness sometimes seems insignificant, but in certain moments, it warms you, shines brightly in your memory, and becomes unforgettable.

Today is March 20th, International Day of Happiness. We are honored to invite@ClumsyBear❤Cat@SlightlyChubbyOldZhao @Runner_OldD @initiationXijia and other four Codoon sports enthusiasts to share their inseparable bond with running!

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What kind of serendipity led you to start running?

@ClumsyBear❤Cat

In 2015, my husband started long-distance running. Seeing how invigorated he looked after each run, I was quietly moved. After finally trying it myself, I couldn't stop.

@SlightlyChubbyOldZhao

I started running because I was too fat. As a Chongqing native, dieting was out of the question for me. Spending money on a gym membership was also something I couldn't justify; I'd rather spend that money on hotpot. Then I heard that running was a cheap and effective way to lose weight, so I started running. After two months, I found it really worked, so I kept at it.

@Runner_OldD

I started running because of an agreement among a few colleagues at work. The agreement was to run 100 kilometers each month, and those who didn't meet the goal had to treat those who did to a meal.

@initiationXijia

I started running because I had been learning to dance, but my dance teacher stopped teaching, so I stopped dancing. I was prone to gaining weight and feared that without dancing, I would gain weight. I saw my dad start running, and since running doesn't require a partner like badminton, I started running because it was convenient.

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As you run more and more, what changes have you noticed in yourself?

@ClumsyBear❤Cat

If I were to talk about changes, the main one is that I've become more confident. A few years ago, I had to shave my head due to a cranial tumor surgery, which left a noticeable scar, making me very self-conscious.But since I started running, I've found myself becoming more confident, more sunny, and more in love with life.

@SlightlyChubbyOldZhao

After running for over four years, the biggest change isn't my slimmer body or the number of marathons I've completed, butdeveloping a healthy lifestyle and learning to treat my body well.I quit smoking after ten-plus years, and I now set aside time each day to run. Life feels great this way.

@initiationXijia

In terms of physical changes,my once flabby body has become toned, and my body lines are better.Most importantly, my lifestyle has improved; I've given up all junk food, late-night snacks, and unhealthy cooking methods, and I've become more sociable.Psychologically, running has made me stronger and more persistent in achieving my goals. It has also given me a more open-minded attitude towards difficulties.

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Do these changes enhance your sense of happiness? In what specific ways?

@ClumsyBear❤Cat

My sense of happiness has definitely increased, and I've become more sunny and confident. Life has become more exciting. For example, I care more about my own and my family's happiness and am less concerned about others' opinions. Life is more fulfilling rather than aimless.Now, I've met many running friends from all over the country,and my persistence and positive attitude have influenced many people, encouraging more to start exercising and love life. I really enjoy this state.

@SlightlyChubbyOldZhao

I'm definitely happier. I can feel the changes in my body. When I'm with my child, I'm no longer disliked for smelling like smoke; I can set a good example for her when I want her to exercise. When she tells her friends, 'My dad is great at running,' I feel very proud.When I'm with friends who don't exercise, my physique and health give me a significant advantage, and it feels great.

@Runner_OldD

Of course, I'm happy. Being able to eat without worrying about gaining weight is a blessing!

@initiationXijia

The sense of happiness is immense. Through running,I've met many friends who also love running.Running brings together people from different industries who didn't know each other for a race. Our shared love for running has created many wonderful connections.Perhaps the best meeting is a greeting on the track, a brief encounter. You can also influence those around you, bringing them positive energy and sharing your experiences, helping more people understand and love this sport.

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If you had to choose, which situation would make you feel the happiest? Why?

A. Participating in the six major world marathons and setting a new personal best

B. Running a marathon with your parents, partner, or children

C. Achieving professional athlete-level performance as an amateur runner

D. Running consistently and staying healthy and strong in old age

E. Feeling happy every day you can run

@ClumsyBear❤Cat

I choose B because I believe family is the most important. If the whole family can share a common hobby, that would be very happy and joyful.

@SlightlyChubbyOldZhao

Only children make choices; adults want it all! Just kidding. At my age and with my conditions, I know A and C are unrealistic, so I don't force it. Now, I just want to balance my hobby and family and run healthily. That's the best.

@Runner_OldD

I choose B because I met my wife through running!

@initiationXijia

I choose E. Maybe earlier, I would have chosen A. But after experiencing a year-long gray period due to injury, the happiest moment for me is being able to run without injury every day. Recently, I started recovery training, and although I run slowly, I fully enjoy it.At that time, I thought, the love for running isn't about speed or the impressive races and results I've achieved, but about the joy running itself brings me. Of course, running a marathon with my parents, partner, or children would be my second choice (why not first? Because I currently run with my dad, and I don't have a partner yet~ haha).

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So far, what has been the happiest moment in your running career?

@ClumsyBear❤Cat

The happiest moment was during a marathon when I was a pacer. When I reached the finish line, I saw my husband and daughter holding flowers waiting for me. Tears of happiness flowed uncontrollably.

@SlightlyChubbyOldZhao

In the 2016 Chengdu Double Heritage Marathon, when I ran down from Mount Qingcheng, I saw my daughter waiting by the roadside. I stopped to let her kiss me, and that was the happiest moment of my life.In future races, I want to drive my parents along, combining travel with marathons. Seeing them cheer for me from the roadside would be very happy.

@initiationXijia

The happiest moment is always having my dad waiting for me at the finish line after a race.

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We've been talking about 'happiness,' but have there been moments when running felt painful?

@ClumsyBear❤Cat

Occasionally, yes. For example, when running a marathon and feeling unwell, it can be painful. But running is a dialogue between the body and the soul, a shaping of the spirit. When you take a step and sweat flows, it's tiring. Without the pain of the process, how can there be tears of joy at the finish line?

@SlightlyChubbyOldZhao

At my age, I still stubbornly competewith @MorningBelland@ShenSquidthese young people, enduring the scolding and torment of my personal trainer Erdan. Running feels really painful... In a few years, I won't chase performance anymore,not being able to run is the real pain..

@Runner_OldD

Intense training and sweating profusely can sometimes feel 'painful.'

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How do you understand the relationship between 'running' and 'happiness'?

@ClumsyBear❤Cat

I don't think running and happiness are necessarily related. Happiness is doing what you love,and through trying, I found that running is my passion.Of course, understanding your true self is difficult, and it requires effort. Giving up is easy, but persistence is better, isn't it?

@SlightlyChubbyOldZhao

At over forty years old, with responsibilities to both the older and younger generations, having been a big guy with a lot of life pressure, being able to find time to run every day and still run forty kilometers in one go is the greatest happiness.

@Runner_OldD

When running, I can let go of all worries and unhappiness from work and life. After running, I can enjoy a big meal. The simplest joy!

@initiationXijia

Although running ≠ happiness, happiness is an emotion we attribute to something that makes us feel satisfied and hopeful. I can convert what I gain from running into happiness. Running is just one way to achieve happiness.Running is not our whole life,don't limit happiness to just running and let it dominate our happiness.

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Conclusion

For many ordinary people, happiness can actually be very simple. The more you understand contentment, the easier it is to feel happiness. There are many ways to achieve happiness, and running is one of them.

Although we can't definitively say that running and happiness are necessarily linked, a sport that makes you healthier, improves your mindset, and strengthens your willpower can't be bad. We hope every runner continues to run healthily and happily, and that every kind runner remains joyful and happy for a long time!

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