I started running long before I even knew a minimalist lifestyle even existed. That was circa 2006 and I was living in a studio garden apartment on Altgeld Street in Lincoln Park (“garden” is the word Chicago landlords use to make a basement apartment sound fancier than it is). The distance between the major streets was a half-mile, so I would run from Fullerton south to Armitage and turn around for a mile run. I felt so accomplished! Eventually, I worked up to a few miles. Then one night after work, I set out along the lakefront where I ran for five miles, experienced my first runner’s high, and felt on top of the world! During that time, I decided I should invest in a pair of running shoes. Or more likely, marketing helped me make that decision. I went through the motions of a fitting, trotting around the store to see what shoe felt right, and ultimately landed on a pair of Asics. I told the salesperson that I was not too fond of the color. It was the most money I had ever spent on a pair of shoes, shouldn’t I at least think they look nice? That was my very first lesson in running: “You do NOT buy running shoes for looks!” the salesperson barked. Well okay then.
When I think back on that time, I was already living a somewhat minimalistic lifestyle. It certainly was not by design, mostly due to lack of money! But I have to wonder if it was always inside of me to some degree, and perhaps why I was drawn to running. I love that I really only need a pair of shoes to run anywhere in the world. A run is a fantastic way to tour a new area all while getting some exercise. And truth be told, you could probably go to Walmart and buy a pair of shoes to run in and get along just fine. Today, I use a few additional accessories like a GPS watch, headphones, an armband for my phone, maybe a hat here and there…but none of that is necessary to get the job done. I always chuckle when women eager to take up running go out and buy the most expensive attire to outfit themselves from head to toe. The pavement does not care what brand of shorts you are wearing; it won’t improve your speed or endurance. Hard work and determination are far more important. I know I have mentioned blinders before, but…Put. Them. On. Ignore the advertising, social media posts, or whatever is screaming at you that you MUST have {insert item} to be a runner!
I have now run around 13,000 miles in my life and will hopefully keep putting one foot in front of the other for years to come. I can do it anywhere in the world, any time of day, in any weather…and all with a pair of shoes! Running + minimalism = a match made in heaven.
the single minimal(ist) 