Run

 

Running. For many, it’s a love-hate relationship. You either enjoy the rhythm of pounding the pavement, or you find every step exhausting. I was always in the latter camp—running was something I “had” to do if I wanted to stay fit, not something I did because I enjoyed it. I never quite understood the whole “runner’s high” people talked about. But after years of trying to stick with other workouts, I decided to give running another shot. Little did I know, it would turn out to be more than just a physical workout for me; it would become my mental and emotional therapy.

So, if you’ve ever found yourself frustrated with running, or maybe even avoided it completely, I get it. But let me share why running became something I actually looked forward to and how it changed my perspective on fitness and well-being.

My First Experiences: Why I Hated Running

Let’s be real—running used to feel like torture. In high school, I had to run track and cross-country as part of my physical education requirements. I dreaded every second of it. The aching legs, the shortness of breath, the feeling of my chest tightening as I pushed myself to finish the lap. It wasn’t that I wasn’t in decent shape, I just hated how monotonous and painful running felt.

And don’t even get me started on those long-distance runs. The thought of running for 30 minutes straight felt like a nightmare. I could never understand how people enjoyed it. I would rather do a challenging HIIT workout or lift weights. But over the years, I started noticing something—running, or more specifically, the rhythm of it, seemed to be everywhere. People ran in the mornings, after work, on weekends—so why did they seem to get so much out of it?

I decided to give it one more try, but this time, I wanted to approach it differently.

Pro Tip: If you’ve struggled with running before, start small and don’t push yourself to “run” right away. Begin with a walk/run combo until you’re comfortable enough to increase your running time.

Finding the Right Pace (Literally)

One of the biggest mistakes I made during those early attempts was pushing myself too hard. I’d always try to run too fast, too soon, trying to keep up with the seasoned runners around me. But the truth is, I wasn’t ready for that. In fact, trying to keep up with others made me feel like I was failing, and that only made me more frustrated.

I quickly realized that finding my own pace was key. I wasn’t trying to win any races, and I didn’t need to be the fastest runner. I started by jogging at a pace that felt comfortable but still challenging. It wasn’t about speed—it was about consistency. I’d run at a pace where I could still hold a conversation, not gasping for air after every few steps. This made running feel far more enjoyable, and soon enough, I was able to run longer distances without stopping.

Pro Tip: Don’t worry about speed when you start. The goal is consistency. Try to maintain a pace where you’re challenging yourself but still able to breathe comfortably.

The Physical Benefits: More Than Just Burning Calories

I had always known that running was great for burning calories and building endurance, but the physical benefits I experienced went way beyond that. After consistently running for a few weeks, I noticed my energy levels were through the roof. I had more stamina throughout the day, even during my work hours.

My posture improved, too. Running requires engaging your core and maintaining proper form, which translates into better posture overall. As I ran, I noticed my legs becoming stronger, my heart becoming more efficient, and my endurance building. I started feeling stronger—not just while running, but throughout the rest of my workouts and daily activities as well.

Pro Tip: Don’t underestimate the power of running to improve your overall fitness. It helps with endurance, strength, and even flexibility. Make it a part of your regular routine to see lasting changes.

The Mental Clarity: Running as My Moving Meditation

Now, here’s where things got really interesting. After a couple of months of running consistently, I began to notice something that I hadn’t expected: a shift in my mental state. The constant pounding of my feet on the ground, the rhythmic pattern of my breath, and the focus on putting one foot in front of the other all had a calming effect on my mind. It was as if the constant flow of thoughts that usually ran through my head started to slow down with every step I took.

Running became my moving meditation. I could leave all the stress of the day behind. There was something incredibly soothing about zoning out to my playlist or simply focusing on my breath. It was like hitting a mental reset button. I stopped overthinking everything, and I felt a sense of calm that carried with me long after I finished my run.

Pro Tip: Use running as a way to clear your mind. Focus on your breath or immerse yourself in music or podcasts that make you feel inspired.

The Runner’s High: It’s Real (And It’s Awesome)

I had heard about the “runner’s high” for years, but I never really believed it. It seemed like one of those things that only happened to certain people, like some mythical reward for running insane distances. But then, one day, it happened to me. It wasn’t immediate, but after about 20 minutes of running, I began to feel this surge of euphoria. It wasn’t a sudden jolt or anything, but rather a steady wave of energy and positivity that made me feel unstoppable.

I was smiling for no reason, feeling light, and was completely in the zone. I couldn’t believe it—I had finally experienced what so many runners talk about. That sense of achievement and joy from just moving my body, feeling strong and capable, was something I’d never expected. And it became addicting. After that, I craved that feeling, which kept me coming back for more runs.

Pro Tip: Push through that initial discomfort. The runner’s high isn’t immediate, but once you get there, it’s totally worth the effort.

Running and Emotional Health: My Therapy

As much as running helped me physically, it turned out to be a game-changer for my emotional health as well. I used to get overwhelmed with stress, but running gave me an outlet. When things got tough—whether it was work pressure, personal struggles, or just a bad day—running gave me a way to process those emotions.

On more than one occasion, I’ve finished a run with a clearer mind and a lighter heart. Running became a therapeutic release, allowing me to work through frustration, anxiety, or sadness. I didn’t have to talk about my problems to anyone—I just needed to put on my shoes, hit the pavement, and let the rhythm of running take care of the rest.

Pro Tip: Use running as a way to process your emotions. Don’t worry about how fast you’re going—just focus on moving forward.

The Community: Why I Run with Others

For a long time, I ran alone. I loved the solitude, the time to think and be with myself. But then, I joined a local running group, and it changed my perspective even more. There’s something motivating and energizing about running alongside others who share the same passion. The camaraderie, the shared struggles, and the collective goal of finishing a race or hitting a personal best added a new layer to my running experience.

Running groups offer accountability, friendship, and motivation. It’s a great way to meet like-minded people, and sometimes, those group runs are more fun than you expect.

Pro Tip: Consider joining a running group or finding a running buddy. The social aspect can make your runs more enjoyable and help you stay committed.

Conclusion: Running Changed My Life

Looking back, I never could have imagined that running would become such an important part of my life. It’s more than just a workout now; it’s my time to clear my head, challenge myself physically, and take care of my mental health. Running has taught me patience, persistence, and how to deal with life’s ups and downs in a healthier way.

If you’ve been avoiding running, I encourage you to give it another chance. Start slow, find your pace, and let the experience unfold naturally. It might just surprise you how much it can benefit you—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.

And hey, if I can do it, so can you. Trust me, there’s a runner in you waiting to be unleashed.