Time to break things down and get a little sentimental about the tremendous goodness of this run thing we all share. In a strange way, being runners, we all share a common understanding about what it means to move our bodies with purpose, to push our limits, to experience “runner’s high,” and to live a fit(ter) lifestyle. You, Ms. Elite Marathoner, might not feel that you have a great deal in common with Mr. I-Hope-I-Survive-This-5k over there…but you do. And we need more people in our club.
Running Changes Our Bodies
When we run, we get fitter. Our bodies adapt to stress and evolve. We learn to go further, or faster, or we get fitter. Any one of those “F”s is just Fine by me. Sure, there’s the odd injury, but most are little more than a temporary set back. At the end of the day, take someone who isn’t a runner and get them running…and they will see, feel, and experience changes to their bodies.
Running Changes Our Brains
Maybe there’s research out there on this, maybe not. Regardless, from my personal experiment (n=1), my personal running time is critically important to how I do _everything_ in my life. Running affords me time to reflect on pressing issues, time to explore thoughts on my own without interruptions. Running let’s me review my personal state, for example, and get in touch with what really matters to me. All forms of exercise help but running is the one discipline where I can zone out on the physical requirements and still get a solid workout.
Running Changes Our Lives
Regardless of what your running goals are, just by being a runner you are leading a different life than your former self. You think about training. You think about resting. You look at different roads/hills from the car and think to yourself, “I could run that.” You think about what you eat just before, during, and after your workouts. For many people, this perspective on being is profoundly different than their non-running lifestyle. It adds purpose, rhythm and potentially even some meaning. Very powerful.
Running Can Change The World
Not talking about the countless people raising money to make a difference (though that’s amazing!). More just the fact that if enough people experienced the above benefits I know the world would be a better place. If people had some time to themselves every day, a time that brought them physical benefits, helped them to recharge mentally, and brought purpose to how they ate, slept, and lived, well…I think we’d live in a very different world indeed.
Do your part to make the world a better place by finding someone in your personal circle who isn’t a runner (there’s got to be at least one!) and take them out for a run. Share the gift you have. Pay the karma forward. We’ll all be better off if you do.
How did you get into running?
Welcome to my corner of the Web. 