115 consecutive sunrise runs, how I got here and what I learned.

I woke up one day and needed to feel the positive energy from the sunrise and a good run. It has now been over 115 consecutive days of sunrise runs and this is what I learned.

I need “me time” and we all need some positivity. By sharing pictures of the sunrises and how the run felt, many more than 150 people reached out to thank me for providing inspiration or simple enjoyment through my words and photos. So in addition to the benefits I felt from the activity, I was given the gift of helping others.

I tout the value of life balance, not settling, being the best version of one self, including the strength of being you when others (or your inner thoughts) try to get you to fill a role or someone else’s expectation. I woke up one day and realized that the vast majority of my energy was directed to my work, supporting my partner with his work, goals, problems, or trying to support others. We’ve all done it at some point, put others or work first. We should support others, just not to the point where you forget your own needs.

115 days ago I decided the most realistic way to achieve more balance and be the best version of me, was to create “me time".  I started my day with a sunrise run. That day I didn’t set a goal of “x consecutive number of runs” nor did I know I would come this far. It was the act of making me time. I thought this would be good for me because it….

1. is enjoyable to me
2. reduces stress
3. can be calming, peaceful & provides a meditation like state
4. increases my fitness and brings me one step closer to balance
5. wasn’t motivated by other people’s expectations, by a role I was “supposed to be” or by guilt. It was about something I wanted

Who did it impact?

More people than I could have imagined. My morning ritual of running & seeing the sunrise was about having more balance, connecting with nature and remembering we are a small part of something much bigger. I thought balance would make me stronger, keep me authentic and I could feel better for not shorting myself. I believed I could be a better leader and friend, by setting an example. Truth is it helped me and by mere consequence of sharing daily photo updates, I have had people from various cities and countries reach out to thank me. Friends have joined me, acquaintances and strangers have messaged to share stories about how my posts have inspired or helped them. What resonated with people varied from connecting to the messages I wrote, the peace, beauty and serenity of the images/ videos or the motivation and strength to take up running, meditation or simply try to live “better”. It helps people start their day, find their strength or aspire to new things.

What were the daily benefits?

Each day I rose before the sun. (Honestly, it was easier when the sun rose at just after 6:00) I would go outside and catch it rise as I did my morning run. The end result was always the same. I started everyday feeling strong and ready for the day. Sunrise, fresh air and exercise gave me what I needed. I felt inspired and clear minded. I slept better and had more consistent meal times. There were many mornings where the images were breathtaking and days where the peace and sense of accomplishment were almost overwhelming. It didn’t matter that some runs were longer than others, some were hot, rainy or snowy, some included yoga or stretching and during some I made connections with neighbourhood dog owners, runners, walkers and photographers.

I am walking the talk. I tell my team, colleagues and friends to take care of themselves and not to settle. I care about them, and ask them to make sure they try to live healthy and well. Our employees are a team, they are the core of our business and need to be fulfilled and well. Our friends are integral to their families, to us and to their jobs. It is easier for me to lead others to balance and not settling for ‘good enough’ when I am living it.

Do you have to be a runner – or even choose running?

Nope. You have to figure out what you need. For me, I ran. During this time I completed a marathon and virtual running events to balance my sunrise work out and to connect with other runners. I am not new to running, I have run off an on for years but started in school only as a way to train for my first sports passion - soccer.

So you aren’t a runner, don’t be afraid to try. Over the last few years, I had a partner who played soccer but wasn’t a runner. In our pre covid years, running together was an ‘easy to pack for’ activity during our frequent travels. It became our fresh air habit to offset being cooped up during the phases of covid. He then left to reconcile his past and how he needs to be viewed by others. But our reasons for running then and my decision to do daily sunrise runs are the same: it is a healthy routine promoting balance, active living and happiness. The bonus with running is you can do it almost anywhere, set your own pace, run when and how you want, with others, a partner or on your own.

Why consider a new routine?

We get pulled in many directions, it can get tricky not letting everything take precedence over self. Remember, when you choose to be good to yourself, you aren’t being selfish - you have more to give when you are stronger and healthier.

Living the best version of yourself is about reaching further than the acceptance and satisfaction we get for fulfilling predetermined roles and expectations of others, but being you, doing what gives you the balance and happiness needed to inspire and care for others all while being good to yourself. It is worth asking, are you doing what truly makes you happy or what makes you feel accepted and validated by others?

Perhaps running isn’t your answer, but I hope you have or can find something that helps you achieve balance, gives you joy, is healthy and brings you one step closer to being your best self.