“I only run when chased”. That used to be my response whenever the subject of running for sport ever came up in conversation. I have always been secretly jealous of people that can tie up their gym shoes and run out their front door and enjoy it. I’ve never enjoyed running. I tried track in high school and quit immediately. But my curiosity is peaked with so many people in my life lately talking about running and the happiness and sense of accomplishment it brings. The hulabaloo over running a 5k or a marathon always peaks my interest as well. It’s time for me to consider why I have always discounted running as a sport for someone else.
So I gave it a try. I mapped out a 2 mile route in my car and decided to try it out. At first there was a lot more walking than running and my times were far from impressive. But, even after only a few runs and some seriously sore legs, I’m starting to understand what all the talk is about. I’m happily surprised at how rewarding it feels to set a goal and run out my front door!
I’m starting to see all the benefits of running compared to some of the other types of exercise I’ve been doing. I come home exhausted with a huge sense of accomplishment 20-30 minutes later instead of two hours later after a one hour class. The roads are always open, and free, so no fitting in a class or driving anywhere and paying a fortune. I just tie my shoes and go! I can go in any direction, stop and start as I please and challenge myself any way I want. There is no one out there looking at me or keeping track of what I can or cannot do. It’s completely my own. I benefit directly when I make the effort and I don’t benefit when I decide to slack. No fake turning the resistance button on a spinning bike.
I have not started to focus on my breathing or form too much. Right now I’m just working on not falling down. I know that my body knows how to reward itself for this hard work, so now I am searching for the key to unlock the endorphins and let my brain chemistry work for me. I’m hoping to go from running on empty to discovering the zen of running.
myhappypromise 