Running has many more effects on our lives other than staying in shape. It is free exercise, the road is always open, there is no limit to the number of people you can run with, running takes you on new adventures to new places. However, the physical process of running is taxing. Here are some thoughts that run through my head while I run and I am sure most runners will be able to agree on one level or another.
1. "This won't be so bad."
As soon as my feet start to hit the pavement or sand, I tell myself this won't be so bad. A short while in and I am questioning why I decided this is how I chose to stay in shape.
2. "I want ice-cream later."
If I am being honest, a major reason why I run is so I can eat whatever I want. As unconventional as that sounds, it is true and I have no regrets stemming from it.
3. "I had too much pasta for dinner last night."
Sometimes I run so I can eat, other times I run because I ate too much. Either way, I am usually thinking about food.
4. "Music!"
It is either Spotify plays the best song I have ever ran too or the worst. It is a challenge to find common ground when you only have so few skips before they want you to pay. I am in college, I can barely afford a venti Starbucks drink let alone Spotify Premium.
5. "Woah, that was close."
Just because people that run, run often, does not mean that they are pros. Sometimes, we do not see that the sidewalk is protruding out or that the parked car is closer than it appears or that our shoelace is untied. And sometimes life just gets in the way and we trip and fall the ground.
6. "Oh gosh, is that person waving at me?"
Every so often while you are running, your path crosses with another individual running. Do you look at the other person? Is a wave the appropriate gesture? Is it a head nod? Typically from my experience, it ends in awkward eye contact and the hopes that you both are not turning down the same road.
7. "Why?"
As is why is this the method of exercise I chose?
8. "I am so close to hitting my finish line."
When the time start creeping up to the minute you told yourself was the end, you start to get a rush. A burst of accomplishment. Like you just beat yourself and you are the king/queen of the world.
9. "Yeah, I am going to run again tomorrow."
As not fun and uncomfortable as running may be, you always do it again. You do it again asking yourself the same questions every time. It is a cycle. Once you start, it is hard to stop. Even though it might suck while you are in the act of running, you love it and are glad you are able to run.
