A lot of people I've come across have shot out phrases such as "running isn't for me" or "going on a run sounds awful" when discussing my love of running. And I get it - running is hard. Running can make your heart feel like it's going to rip out of your chest. Running forces you to put mind over body in a way that no other activity can; it requires discipline, mental strength, physical strength, and really tests your ability to endure discomfort and to push yourself. But despite this, running is something I have fallen deeply in love with. To me, running is something I believe should be as habitual as brushing your teeth everyday. I'm sure you're currently thinking I'm absolutely bonkers, but let me explain myself a little.
1. Running is a stress reliever you won't regret.
Everyone has stress - it's a part of life. This is why we all need that outlet; whether it be eating that whole tub of ice cream, watching 10 hours of your favorite TV show, or even for some people, substance abuse, we all search for that one thing to take away all the stress we deal with, even if just for a second. However, all of these things have backfired on us with consequences, whether it be weight gain, wasted time, or a horrible hangover. This only leaves you feeling worse and more stressed in the end.
But here's an idea...go for a run!
Running does the opposite; it leaves you with endorphins and a sense of happiness that you just kicked butt in your workout today. It allows you to feel free and get alone time with yourself - a time with just you, your thoughts, and nature. And you won't believe how less stressed you will feel when you're done.
All in all - run when you're stressed. Period. You won't regret it.
Speaking of which - another reason to run - hellllo endorphins.
If you have not experienced the rush of endorphins from a killer workout, you are missing out. For those who don't know runner slang, there is a thing called a "runner's high". This is when you're going for a run and get a rush of endorphins that make you feel like you could go forever. Although this may be for the more experienced distances runners, I can guarantee you that you'll have one when you're finished.
If you don't know what I'm talking about when I tell you endorphins are a reason to kill yourself in a run, please go kill yourself in a run. I simply can't put it into words.
2. Running clears your thoughts.
There have been so many times when things just really get to me or my mind just feels all jumbled up - whether it's from petty drama, a long to-do list, or simply unproductive thoughts, there are times when I wish I could just get rid of all my thoughts; just completely reset my brain and have a blank slate. Running always helps me do this. It is the time alone with just yourself and your thoughts that allows you to have hardly any worries when you're done. It allows you to stop and reevaluate everything you've been making out to be oh-so-important in your head.
3. You get to eat a lot and feel great in your own skin.
What could be better? I don't know about you, but one of my favorite things to do is eat - whether it be smoothies, ice cream, or simply going out to eat, I don't like to limit myself. However, nothing feels worse than gaining excess weight or feeling uncomfortable in your own skin (and I'm sure many of you girls concur). Running holds close to my heart because it helps me balance my love of food with my love of feeling confident; I'll tell myself if I get in that four-mile run today, then I get the ice cream. The ever-so-famous quote of "nothing tastes as good as skinny feels," all the sudden stopped applying to me once I became a runner; they're both pretty great!
4. Running will boost your confidence.
I don't know about you, but going through my day knowing I just ran five more miles than most other people feels pretty good. Not only that, you will just feel proud of yourself for doing something not many other people can bring themselves to do. You will feel proud for doing something so physically and mentally healthy. Go you.
Don’t get me wrong, though, running isn’t easy, and I don’t expect someone who has never ran before to get up and run five miles in one day - that just physically isn't possible. However, anyone can become a runner. All it takes it repeatedly pushing yourself as far as YOU can go.
When I first started running I began by doing five-minute increments and working my way up. This lead me to running a half marathon.
Anyone can become a runner.
And I know, I know, running isn’t for everyone. But if you love yourself, give it a shot; after all, I know I’ve never regretted a run.
