I take a few deep breaths. My heart is racing as the gun is about to go off: the gun to start my first Cross Country race ever. It is a scorching August afternoon and I am already sweating just standing in place. Before I know it, the gun is fired and everyone around me takes off. The next one and a half miles are full of thoughts in my head asking, "Why did you decide to do this?" By the end of the race, I am exhausted and crying tears of sweat. However, the feeling that comes about when I finish knowing that I left it all on the course is unparalleled. This “runner’s high” has kept me running ever since that first race. Even though there are good runs and bad runs (a half marathon in 95-degree heat last weekend was definitely a bad one), I continue to run for numerous reasons.
I run because...
It gives me time to reflect and get lost in my thoughts. In my over scheduled, busy life, I have little time to ever step back and just think: think about the world around me, think about my relationships, think about my emotions, and just think about life in general. Running is the one hour of absolute separation from the outside world I have each day, a time where I am detached from everyone else, but connected to myself. I can reflect on whatever I want (the topic changes each time), but the experience is always soothing; after I go on a nice long run, I feel more relaxed and at ease with all the thoughts streaming through my head.
I run because...
It helps relieve stress. It has been proven over and over again that being active, particularly performing strenuous exercise like running, is one of the best ways to diminish stress. In a life jam-packed with deadlines, papers, tests, activities, and work, a run is the most effective way for me to calm down and realize that there is no reason to freak out. Attacking a run, with each stride going along with the beat of the blasting music in my ear buds, helps me attack my worries. After each run, I feel much more relaxed and happy. I still come back to the same problems and stresses I faced before the run, but I can approach them with a shift in attitude for the better.
I run because...
It is some of the best exercise out there. Running is one of the most efficient ways to burn calories and shed fat. The longest runs I have done have burned about 2,000 calories. Burning so many calories constantly helps you live a healthier lifestyle and even lets you delight in unhealthy foods from time to time (see next reason).
I run because...
I can eat unhealthy food occasionally and not feel badly about it. We all have those guilty pleasure cravings that we wish we didn’t love so much. However, if I decide to splurge on a large ice cream cone or fries, I don’t feel bad because the run I went on earlier burned enough calories to consume a few more than necessary later on in the day.
I run because...
It is inexpensive and easy to do anywhere. As long as you aren’t running races each week, running is one of the cheapest forms of exercise out there. All you need is a pair of shoes and you’re set. You can almost always find a place to run no matter where you are or at what time. At the gym? Yep. On a track? Yep. On the beach? Yep. In the rain, in the snow, the heat? Yep. Yep Yep. At a trail? Yep. The ability to run anytime anywhere makes the activity all the more exciting and accessible.
I run because...
I can be outside and one with nature. My technologically obsessed generation has lost a lot of our connection with the natural world. For me at least, most of my free time is spent on my phone or computer. Those summer days where I spent all day and night playing with my friends are long gone. However, running helps me remember just how amazing the world outside my window is. The numerous locations of running paths: near beaches, lakes, waterfalls and under diverse types of trees make each run a journey through the vast beauty of nature.
I run because...
Running tests my physical and emotional limits. Like Winnie the Pooh said as part of one of his most famous lines, "You’re stronger than you seem." Especially when you're on particularly long or hard runs, both your body and your mind will tell you to stop, to give up now. However, you have to keep going, keep pushing until the end. Persevering through pain is never easy, but showing yourself how it's possible is the most rewarding thing and can be applied to all facets of life. When you have the strength to tell yourself to keep going on a run, you have the power to persist through anything life may throw your way.
I run because...
Running shows me that hard work trumps innate ability. Just like in any area of athletics or work, good runners aren't born overnight. Even the most accomplished runners, who make it look effortless, have put in thousands of hours to prepare. If you do not put in the effort to train, you will fall short in big races. I have seen the effects of this in my own races after a summer with minimal running led to a rough season and painful injury my junior year of high school. This lesson of assiduousness over natural talent can be applied to all facets of life, where hard work is always a key ingredient to future success.
I run because...
Any given run is a metaphor for life. Just like life is rich in trials and tribulations, each run you go on is full of ups and downs. I tend to feel great at the beginning of a run. Soon, usually around the middle, the pain really starts to kick in. I get tired and want to stop. Eventually, though, after pushing through the pain, I make it to the finish and feel awesome and proud (after chugging water first!). Life, just like my runs, will be full of good and bad, but will always go on.
I am forever grateful that my first cross country race showed me the sheer power of running. Running makes my life better and can do the same to yours. So next time that you have some free time on a nice day, head to your local trail and go for a run. If you give running a chance, you may discover just how amazing it can be.
