About me

I can hardly remember, but I’ve always been somewhat of a runner. As a child, a teenager, and even as an adult, running has always been part of my life, though it never took center stage. I never cared about pace, kilometers, or times. What mattered most to me was how I felt: Do I feel good? Am I enjoying myself? That was my standard then, and it still is today.

Of course, there were times when running took a backseat. Work, family, and other commitments often left little time, and sometimes, it was a conscious choice to step away from running. There were years when I didn’t run at all, but somehow, I always found my way back. Why? Because there’s something inside me that needs this balance. Running helps me clear my mind, leave the everyday stress behind, and feel fitter again.

But as much as I appreciate running, it’s not always easy. Every run takes effort, especially at the start. The temptation to sit on the terrace, maybe with a nice drink in hand, is often strong. It’s so much more comfortable to relax than to lace up my running shoes and head out. But the feeling after a run, no matter how short, is priceless. Once I’ve overcome that initial resistance and finished my run, I feel like a new person. The pride of having defeated that inner laziness, getting my circulation going, and doing something good for my body is something you can only understand if you’ve experienced it yourself.

And then there’s the shower afterward. That post-run shower, when the sweat washes away and your body relaxes, is one of the greatest rewards for me. It feels like closure, like confirmation that I’ve accomplished something. And when I can enjoy the rest of the day feeling fresh and satisfied, I’m at peace with myself. It’s this feeling of contentment that keeps me motivated to run again.

Today, at 61 years old – I was born in 1963 – I’m still battling my inner couch potato. That hasn’t changed over the years. There are days when it wins, when the comfort of staying on the terrace triumphs. But that’s okay. Sometimes you need to give yourself a break and not push too hard. But most of the time, I win. Most of the time, I manage to get up, put on my shoes, and head out for a run.

What has changed over the years, though, is my attitude toward results. In the past, I was thrilled with every good time and constantly tried to improve. Now, I’m more relaxed about it. Of course, I’m still happy when I run a good time, but that’s no longer my goal. I don’t need to break records or finish at the top of my age group. What matters most to me now is that I enjoy the run. No matter what the clock says at the end – as long as I had fun, it was a good run.

For me, running isn’t just a sport. It’s a way to challenge myself, leave everyday life behind, and enjoy nature. And that’s what really counts.

Franc Apel