Some of you laugh when you read my posts about running (I think this one did it for a couple people). That started me thinking about how I started running. And more so, on how I kept running.
Here's some interesting things to think about if you're starting, or have started (and you're kind of hating) running:
- figure out discomfort vs. pain. Running is hard. But is it discomfort or pain? "Pain is getting burned by a stove." (quote from Runner's World article, by Jennifer Burningham) You can handle a little discomfort, right?
Scraping up my knee? Pain. 4 miles? Uncomfortable.
- organized runs are fun. New running gear is fun. Being part of the running club (all of the people who run) is fun.
Finishing is fun
- if you're running outside, you're running outside. You're getting fresh air, some vitamin D, smelling the roses or lilacs or apple blossoms, and that is good for your soul.
Even the freeway looks pretty
- your head tries to give out before your legs/lungs/heart. You're pushing the limits of what you thought you could do, and your brain does not like the change. But humans can run farther than most animals because of how we're built (you should really read this
or this). Once you're going for a few seconds/blocks/miles more than you have before, it's a mental game way more than a physical game. If your legs aren't giving up, why is your head?
- you can eat more. Or lose weight. Whatever. Running is a great calorie-burner at about 100 calories per mile for a 150 pound person (you burn more calories if you weigh more, btw). Even if you walk an hour (hey, maybe you'll break into a jog for a block or two), you just burned off your mostly-healthy lunch! Score.
- after running for a couple miles, your brain shuts off. It's lovely. Someone asked me what I think about when I run. Answer: nothing. Blissful, awesome nothing. I look at people and my surroundings (there are some amazing houses around) and listen to my footfall and breathing and don't think.
- decompress after a long day at work. Start your morning off with an accomplishment. Get some time alone. Shake off your road rage. Whatever your excuse, it's a good reason to run.
- you feel powerful. I NEVER thought I'd be able to go over 3 miles a year ago, let alone go 12 miles and run the whole time. How awesome is it to conquer your own long-held belief? Effing awesome.
Go forth and conquer.
Thor said so
