I never really understood the whole “runner’s high” concept. So you run and it releases endorphins that make you happy. Well that sounds nice and all but it doesn’t exactly happen to me and I can’t imagine I’m completely alone in that.
Now that it’s summer, the expanse of the shirtless runners around town has doubled. And it’s annoying because it makes you feel like you should be doing the same. But, I think most people can agree that running outside kind of sucks for a lot of reasons, but is also good for a few reasons too.
It’s not exactly like running (walking/lightly jogging) on your treadmill. The whole idea of being outside is that your path has varying terrain. All those hills in your neighborhood are probably a good thing.
There’s never any place to put your phone. Whether you’re going out for a run or just leaving the house, you want to have your phone. But, there’s no way to have your phone and listen to music unless you hold your phone while running. It’s really annoying and multi-tasking is hard. In the event you get lost/kidnapped/too tired to walk back home, it probably would be good if you had your phone with you.
You get really hot really quickly. Running outside in the 80 degree heat with the sun beaming down on you makes your face instantly turn red. It’s like magic-you pick up speed for like five minutes and you turn into a tomato with the snap of your fingers. Yeah that doesn’t really happen in the nice air-conditioned gym. But, I guess running in the heat is better than running in 10 degree weather in the dead of the winter.
The only positives are that you get to spend time outside getting tan and people actually might think you’re athletic and fit. Oh, and the obvious exercising is healthy for your body aka it makes you feel less guilty about the ice cream or frozen yogurt you eat right after.
I know I can’t be the only person jealous of those really fit girls running outside in sport bras and athletic shorts. Okay well maybe I am. But, maybe all of the running outside will force you to venture to the outdoors next time you decide to workout.
