Running, why running? Why not lifting weights more, or juno... maybe yoga? Why running? There is something so enjoyable about hitting the trail for a solid run.
Part of it is the exercise, of course. Getting your heart beating, the labored breathing and various parts of your body abused knowing that this will only make you stronger.
I think the other part, the larger part is the mental part of running. Outside of having to look for traffic, running on the safe side of the road and jumping over curbs you really don't have to think. In fact, you can let your mind wander off to some very creative, productive and even self-reflective places. I routinely run at night, something too about the night, the silence. The Norman Rockwell scenes in the picture windows.
I digress.
Running allows your mind to do things that otherwise you don't do. Just think. Or maybe better said, think about everything. I have remembered things I needed to do, forgot to do and thought of things I should do. I have thought about my life, my family, strangers, friends, collegues and just about whatever pops into this uninhabited skull of mine. Debriefing from the day. I have heard others call it a stress relief outlet. I don't know about that, I rarely notice a difference in my stress level after compared to before a good hearty run. Moreso, you can't be unhinged by things like a TV, computer or phone calls. I think this is why I have never joined a running club or done much runnig with others. I look at them and think, then I'd have to engage in conversation... while I'm running?
That is the whole point, to get away!
Do not misunderstand, not necessarily away from people, just away. I enjoy going for a run the most during those moments when I am already alone.
'tis my point!
Running gives me something more than just being alone, it is my "vehicle" to productive thought. I should point this out, this may be the most profound part of it. It is almost impossible to be negative while going for a run. Think about it, you just got off your buttootski to go do something that is good for you, how can negative thoughts creep into that energy.
They can't!
What is it for you? Do you have something that does for you what running does for me?
4 comments:
HOLY CRAP!!!
There are a few things that take me away from everything.
I love to listen to music. Different moods require differnet music.
Lifting weights. I bought a good set over Christmas. I love to put it a little Metallica and hammer the weights. It is a way for me to get things out. The other night I cam home after a ballgame and kind of a bad day. I cracked a beer and hammered the weights. I felt much better.
Riding a Harley Davidson. I love to cruise down the road with the rumble of the bike in my ears, the vibration of the motor through my hands and arms, and the whip of the wind through my eyeballs and hair. I think about virtually everything. I think about people I haven't though of in years, about things I forgot to do before I left, about my family, about how good I have it, and on and on. I let my little mind just wander all over the place.
Finally I do like to run. I have to admit it has been over a year since I have been on our treadmill. After we moved here to Hankinson I was so busy the first couple months that I didn't get, or take, the time. Then I hurt my ankle pretty good playing basketball so I was unable for several months. I am getting old and just don't heal like I used to. Well I had big plans for running over the summer. Then I started playing softball. The first night during batting practice I tore up both my knees. I still don't know what is wrong but I just can't run anymore. I officiated 2 junior high basketball games recently for which I paid for by limping around for about a week. It hurts to walk up stairs. Kristy tells me I should go to the doctor. I hate that. Last time I waited nearly 2 months until I gave in so they could tell me I sprained my ankle. I don't want to go in now and have them tell me my knees are strained and that I should do some silly exercise and try not to run. I hate to pay that bill for a bunch of nonsense.
In closing I have to agree that it is amazing what your brain will do when it is given time to just play in the yard. We are constantly working that thing to death. A little down time and off it takes us on a field trip we have very little control over.
Hey Ma did you know all the fancy spelling I used. Just a chip off the 'ol block I guess. Where is the spell check on these things.
I am with you on the age thing, even though you are a lot older than I. The last time I sprained my ankle it also took me about 6 months before it was even close to normal. And I mean close, I can still feel it occasionally when strained too much or hyper flexed. And before you get to it, let me say it... Boy I miss the wind blowing in my hair. I no you hait that. LOL :)
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