If you’re anything like me you weren’t the most sporty as a kid. I bowled in a 10-pin league and participated in gym class, but that’s about it. I did think about all the different sports I could try, but I never really tried any.
Then, the summer before grade 11, I started running. For me, this was still during the pandemic, so running outside was a good activity to partake in. I got exercise and fresh air all in one. It didn’t really last, though. I only ran during the summer because I was scared to use the fitness center at my school.
Fast forward to the start of university, and I started running again more consistently. Luckily some of my friends were going to the gym, so I went with them. At first, I only ran, but that eventually expanded into weight lifting as well. Given that I live in Canada, running outside isn’t much of an option during the winter. I know some people do it, but I’ve slipped by simply walking, so I’m not going to push it. Throughout the past three years, I have ran relatively consistently, and I can honestly say I love it.
That’s not to say I’m always super excited to go on a run—I’m most definitely not. There are days when running sounds like the absolute worst thing ever. Sometimes I skip runs, but I try to go anyway because I know I’ll feel better for it. If you’re not sold yet, keep reading to hear the three reasons I love running so much.
1. I always feel at least 1% better after a run
Sometimes, running is the perfect cure, and I feel a million times better than I did when I started. Sometimes, I only feel the slightest bit better. Either way, I always feel better when I complete a run because I showed up for myself. Even if I spend my entire run overthinking, I finish the run proud that I still did it. As well, the “runner’s high” you hear everyone talking about it’s real. Once you get into a groove and you’re pushing yourself, you start to feel this sense that you could achieve anything. Some days it is like this blaringly obvious revelation, and other days it is more subtle, but I almost always feel this sense of pride and joy in the middle of a run.
2. Running shows me I’m stronger than I think
For many people, the thought “I can’t do this” is one that occurs multiple times throughout the course of a single day. For whatever reason, we love to doubt ourselves, but for me, running shows me I am so much stronger than I think. During a run, there are many moments when I feel like it’s too hard or I’ve done enough, but I tell myself, “just do one more minute”. Often that minute extends to two, then five, then ten, and at that point, I might as well just finish my run. Obviously, there are days when I do quit, but 90% of the time I keep pushing myself, which proves to me that I can do hard things. Running truly is a mental game, and pushing through these doubts helps you physically and mentally. You are able to train your brain that you are stronger than it thinks, which extends into other parts of your life outside of running.
3. It is year-round (despite younger me’s experiences)
When I was younger, I was scared to use the fitness center at my school because I felt like I wasn’t athletic enough to use it. Looking back, it sounds silly, but it didn’t feel like a space I could occupy. Now that I have braved the gym, running has become an activity I do year-round. Personally, I love the treadmill, but there is also a track I can make use of. If you’re feeling nervous to brave the gym, I have two pieces of advice. One, bring a friend. Even if they are new too it is a lot easier doing something new with someone familiar by your side. Secondly, everyone was a first timer at some point or another, so they get it. With that, everyone is so focused on their own workout, they aren’t paying that close attention to you. Running grounds me, so having the ability to do it all year, no matter the weather outside has been beneficial for my mental and physical health.
Bonus: I get to listen to fun music, podcasts, books, or even watch a show
As a bonus, I love running because I get to consume media that makes me feel good. If I am listening to music, I am the type who needs upbeat music when I’m running, which is an immediate mood booster. As well, I sometimes listen to an audiobook or watch a show (when I’m on the treadmill, of course). Some days are really busy, and I know I won’t have much free time, so I try to make my runs as enjoyable as possible.
I know running has become the thing to do lately, but it’s because it really can make such a big, positive impact on your life. I never thought I’d be the type who enjoyed running for fun, but over time, it has become the best stress reliever. If running sounds like a jump, start with walking, especially if it means you can go outside. As well, apps like Couch to 5k can be really helpful in working up to running for long periods of time.
Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed this article! Let me know what else you would like to see from me and check out my Instagram for more.