On Running and Life: How Running Shapes Who We Are

Written by
Caitlin Chock
A runner, writer, artist and creator of a line of unique runner-inspired T-shirts, Caitlin Chock set the (previous) U.S. high school 5K record, and ran in the 2004 world junior track championships. She turned pro, was sponsored by Nike and coached by the legendary Alberto Salazar, until she was struck by a hit-and-run driver in 2010. Her right leg was severely injured; doctors told her she might not walk again normally, and that running would be virtually impossible. "I wouldn't accept that answer, and channeled all of that runner determination to get back to the sport of my passion," Caitlin writes on her blog. "Runners are tough. It took what felt like an eternity, but I am officially a runner again?[who is] thankful for each and every mile I am able to run, regardless of pace." Here, Caitlin shares her humor, art and insights about running. Check out more of her artwork, including her Runner's Comic Strip, at caitchock.com
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Runner Time
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It's incredible how much a day makes in "runner time." The bittersweet rewards of a hard workout are the tomorrows where you'll be walking like a geriatric. You tear the muscles down to rebuild them stronger. Time will always march forward. Yesterday I was a runner. Today I still am. Tomorrow I will be, too.
More of Caitlin's Articles:
How to Come Back After Injury 3 Treadmill Tips How to Beat Your Competition
How to Race Like a Champ
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Don't ever be afraid of your competitors. Use them—they will force you to step up your own game, and race your best. Look for the person who is faster than you, sit behind him, focus on his back, and don't let a gap develop. Pick people off; if that back you're focusing on slows, blow by that sucker and move on to the next person in front of you.
More of Caitlin's Articles:
How to Come Back After Injury 3 Treadmill Tips How to Beat Your Competition
Nice Legs
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If I could, I'd live in running clothes. Actually, I kinda do. Runner legs always look best doing what they're meant to do: run.
More of Caitlin's Articles:
How to Come Back After Injury 3 Treadmill Tips How to Beat Your Competition
Runner Tattoo?
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This is me rocking one of the running shirts I designed. This design is the closest I'll come to getting "Runner" tattooed on my face.
Check Out My Other Shirts
More of Caitlin's Articles:
How to Come Back After Injury 3 Treadmill Tips How to Beat Your Competition
Don't Mess With This Skinny Runner
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Runners sometimes get flack for being skinny, but don't be fooled; when it comes to mental strength, you do NOT want to go up against a runner.
More of Caitlin's Articles:
How to Come Back After Injury 3 Treadmill Tips How to Beat Your Competition
Home Away From Home
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No matter where I am, if I find a track, I feel right at home.
More of Caitlin's Articles:
How to Come Back After Injury 3 Treadmill Tips How to Beat Your Competition
How to Cope With Injury
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Injuries should give you a renewed appreciation for healthy running. When you eventually do get back to regular training, and you catch yourself feeling greedy, take a moment to remember that your running is never a given. And, on those days when you're thinking about wimping out on those 400s, remember the hours you've spent on the elliptical when you thought, "I can't wait for the day I can tear it up on the track."
More of Caitlin's Articles:
How to Come Back After Injury 3 Treadmill Tips How to Beat Your Competition
I Heart Endorphins
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Running makes me happy. It tests me, makes me work, teaches me lessons. Above all, running keeps me sane.
More of Caitlin's Articles:
How to Come Back After Injury 3 Treadmill Tips How to Beat Your Competition
Hug a Runner
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I made this for National Hug a Runner Day, which was put on by Tim Catalano and Adam Goucher through Run the Edge.
More of Caitlin's Articles:
How to Come Back After Injury 3 Treadmill Tips How to Beat Your Competition
I May Be Skinny, But I'm No Wuss
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I'm a runner who hates excuses. If it's windy, I'd rather run into the wind instead of having it "help" me to a faster time. If there's a handicap, I'd rather have it work against me because I'd rather be extra sure I could hit the splits myself.
More of Caitlin's Articles:
How to Come Back After Injury 3 Treadmill Tips How to Beat Your Competition
View Injury as an Opportunity
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For an injured runner, the hardest part of recovery is all mental. Strip the miles from a runner and she feels half naked—half of herself. A shell. The mentality a runner has and maintains through her recovery will either make her stronger or cripple her.
More of Caitlin's Articles:
How to Come Back After Injury 3 Treadmill Tips How to Beat Your Competition
Know Thyself
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In running you are forced to become more attuned with your body, and to learn the ways it sends you signals. Then you must choose how to interpret them and how to listen. We all go through the trial-by-fire learning method, but over the years hopefully we wise up and don't repeat the same mistakes over and over again.
More of Caitlin's Articles:
How to Come Back After Injury 3 Treadmill Tips How to Beat Your Competition
Stoke Your Running Fire
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If you're burned out, remember why you run, and how it makes your feel. Go back to running like a kid would—just have fun with it. There will be days where running feels like a chore, but do that chore for the day because soon after will come the days where your feelings for running return to the ever-amazing passion that makes you feel right. You just have to stay the course.
More of Caitlin's Articles:
How to Come Back After Injury 3 Treadmill Tips How to Beat Your Competition
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More of Caitlin's Articles:
How to Come Back After Injury 3 Treadmill Tips How to Beat Your Competition