For some, running is a chore – something challenging and unpleasant that they’ve been forced to do, often as a punishment. For others, running is a hobby – an occasional activity, maybe preparing for an event or after a few too many “cheat meals”. For me, running is a way-of-life, maybe even a minor addiction.
I know what you’re thinking: “Wow, you’re insane” (this is a frequent comment made) because I enjoy this difficult, strenuous task, but believe it or not, there are many others like me who could relate. Whether it’s for hours in the rain through the mud, the beep test, or hill repeats in the bearing sun, we crave all of it, and the following 11 reasons describe why.
1. Becoming immersed in the surroundings
Of all the locations that I’ve traveled and beautiful places that I’ve seen, I’ve encountered equally as stunning views during many runs. You have the ability to lose yourself in the winding trails, becoming fully submerged and truly feeling one with nature.
2. Experiencing the “runner’s high”
This exhilarating feeling during the pique moments of a run allow for the prior struggles (the cramps, blisters, desire to stop, etc.) to seem irrelevant.
3. Discovering the path less traveled
With any consistent routine, running can become tedious without some variation. Running provides the opportunity to explore areas that a car could not access and the eye could not see from a distance, which could uncover some hidden gems.
4. Allowing time for tranquility and focus
With the constant hustle and bustle of daily life, a moment of silence, just to enjoy the peace and have the time to think openly, is rare.
5. Stimulating all of the senses
Throughout the course of a run, each sense is stimulated uniquely. For example the feeling of the sun on my skin, wind against my face, scent of freshly cut grass, sound of birds chirping, and the list continues infinitely.
6. Burning calories... and treating myself
It can be a challenge to balance calories consumed and burned without some physical activity. Running addresses both, eliminating excess calories during, and allowing for a few additional snacks to be consumed post-run.
7. Becoming greater – mentally and physically
"The only thing standing between you and your goal is" – your mental ability to persevere and physical ability to continue forward.
8. Feeling renewed and transformed
Even a brief run can change a anyone’s attitude, changing from cranky and drowsy to alive and refreshed.
9. Creating relationships through experiences, not spoken words
Although some prefer to always run solo, cultivating a relationship with a running partner, club, or community can create instantaneous bonds through a single common interest.
10. Overcoming obstacles – literally and figuratively
Running does present its dangers, from tripping over a branch to acquiring a stress fracture due to overuse. For individuals who have built this activity into their daily schedule, it can be incredibly difficult to pause this abruptly, especially when it’s out of the runners’ control.
11. Achieving a sense of accomplishment
There's no feeling quite like the satisfaction of taking the final steps of run, clicking a button to stop the timer, and smiling ear to ear with what you were able to accomplish through your own determination and passion for the sport.
