Mention running to a non-runner and you’ll hear phrases like ‘running’s not for me’, ‘it’s too boring’ and ‘I can’t run long distances’. So why then, is there some of us for who running is a fixation, an itch that needs to be scratched. What makes me look out the window early on a weekday morning, see the rain falling onto the dark streets, and think it’s time to go for a run.
I used to be one of those people who thought runners were weird. Just running about with no purpose, where was the fun in that? That was until I started doing it, however. Now running is part of my routine. Not always something I want to do, but certainly something I need to do.
So why do I run? I could probably think of plenty of reasons, but there are two that stand out.
First, it allows me to spend more time outside. There is something about being outside, which makes me feel happy and free. Not restrained to one spot like we are for most of our working day. This doesn’t necessarily just apply to running, I enjoy plenty of other hobbies which keep me outside. But it certainly includes running. I’ll brave snow and rain any day over a treadmill.
Secondly, it helps me clear my head. I hear this a lot from other runners, “when I’m out running, I don’t worry about anything else”. Yet this is not always the case for me. When I run my head is not always clear, but it is calm. I can think things over without urgency or dilemma, taking the time to evaluate things and put them into perspective. Running helps clear my mind by allowing me the opportunity to assess situations and circumstance, and to solve the issue rather than run away from the problem. It gives me an opportunity to reset and start again.
Get Up Go Outside 