I run for a lot of reasons. First off, yes, it's a great workout. Second, I don't rely on anyone. It's just me and the road/path. I push myself to the limit, listen to my choice of music, and get a tan. Find something wrong with that and I'll be impressed. Third, I get to take everything out on the road. The poor road has taken a pretty good beating from me over the last 10 years, but it's a hell of a lot better to deal with me than a semi. Running has helped me keep a clear head for years. The endorphins fight off any bad mood and make any good mood even better. I also use running as a time to figure out everything in my life. I like to prioritize and organize things while I run...that way I don't focus on the pain or how tired I get.
I'm training for my first marathon, and so far I'm in the base building stage. People have called me crazy and ridiculous for wanting to run one, and they're right. I'll be the first to admit it. However, standing in that mob of people waiting to cross the start and/or finish line with the same goal: "I will finish" is incredible. When I ran the St. Louis Go Half Marathon in April I had such a high before I even got to the start line! The 15 minute walk/jog to the start line was enough to keep me going through the first 10 miles. I was so excited to be running the race that when my muscles said 'stop' after 400m I kept going ad found a running buddy. I talked to this woman for 9.5 miles about everything from family to dogs passing away and training. She pushed me when I wanted to stop, and I pushed her as well. It was the strongest bond I've had with anyone in a long time.
Nothing can beat the runner's high. I don't even know why people do drugs. Keep in mind you can't just jump into running and assume that you'll be running 5 miles right off the bat. If you give it 2 weeks of honest effort, you'll probably love it too. You'll be happier, feel better, and have more energy. I challenge you to give it a try. I'm not expecting everyone to run a marathon, but hey a 5k wouldn't hurt.
1 comment:
I'd like to expand a little and not to steal any thunder...It clears the soul. You are so right about the endorphins and yes the runners high will keep you going as long as you push past it. It's pleasureful pain. We all have our own reasons for doing what we do and in the end it is our own determination to get us to the finish line no matter what. Our own happiness lies from within. Our heart will tell us the right thing to do and perhaps running is a time we can feel an escape of everything else and just focus on our heart. Your writing is GREAT keep up the great posts.....
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