The Joy of Running!

Why do I run?  The answer is very simple.  I love it!  I look forward to my runs as if they were a special treat just for me.  It’s something I’ve done for many, many years now and I can assure you that anyone can do this.  And not only do this, but also enjoy it, and love it instead of dread it like most people do.

Ok, so after you are done rolling your eyes about what a joyous experience running can be, please hear me out.

Your attitude toward running is ruining your joy!  Instead of looking at running as the dreaded weight loss or fitness goal, try looking at it as a time for you to enjoy being outside with your thoughts.  Mind/body experience while running is unparallel to anything else.  Don’t attempt to run fast right away.  You will just get winded, tired and discouraged.  Run at a comfortable pace where you can breathe evenly.

Start by running around the block, in the park or anywhere you can that is not obstructed with too many people or cars.  Dodging too many obstacles can put a damper on the experience.  Think about something that you need to do today or things you need to resolve.  Get lost in your thoughts while you run and watch how your mind will get more and more clear from all the clutter letting your thoughts flow through easily.  I particularly suggest this for people with small children.  Many times I felt like I couldn’t put my thoughts together since my kids would almost always do something or say something to interrupt the flow.  I would go for my runs and it would help me organize my thoughts like magic.

Running is also a great de-stressor.  For most of us it’s imperative that we have an outlet where our stressful energy can exit through.  Running helps relax the body and release stressful energy that’s been accumulating throughout the day.  It’s common knowledge that stress causes a lot of harm to our bodies and therefore to our health.  By helping relieve it through running, you are creating a healthier body that will be able to withstand all sorts of attacks, be that from germs or other stressors that you will inevitably be faced with in your daily life.

So, go out there and look at running through a new lens.  Experience the joy and please, please, please tell me all about it!