I saw this post on Morning Runner yesterday and it got me thinking about why I run.
Since I’m not training for anything right now I am only running four times a week, logging about 15-20 miles. The runs are a bit shorter than normal, but I’m still out there running, and when I don’t run, I want to be running.
I know I said I’m loving cross-training and I am, but nothing really fulfills me like running does. Even after doing a 45-minute spin class yesterday I wanted to run. I was sweaty, I had worked hard, but spin didn’t leave me with that amazing glowy feeling that running does.
Last Saturday, Halloween, it was the perfect fall day here in Kamloops. It was about 15 C, warmer then it had been in weeks. I headed out for a run along the river and got completely lost in the beautiful view and the gorgeous fall colours.
For the first time in weeks I was all there, in one place. I wasn’t thinking about articles I had to write, things I had to catch-up on at work or even my plans for that night. I was focused on my body and the beautiful fall day. I kept thinking to myself; “appreciate this day, the snow will be here soon, there aren’t many days like this left, appreciate it.”
I know that some people get this feeling when they do yoga or meditate, which is actually something I want to learn so I’ve been practicing yoga and meditation almost daily lately. But nothing compares to the feeling I get from running. Nothing even comes close.
Sometimes I get asked why I run, why I subject myself to early morning wake-up calls, ice baths, shin pain, knee pain and blisters. Why do I seem to enjoy all these things?
You know, 9 out of 10 runs are tough. My body feels beat-up, I’m tired, I’m having joint pain, it’s not always a walk in the park. But, every once in awhile, a run like I had on Saturday comes along and everything is perfect. The weather, my pace, my thoughts. It’s so amazingly peaceful.
Why do I run? Because I am constantly searching for those perfect runs and whenever I find one, it makes all the hard runs that came before completely worth it.
If you run, why do you run? If not, what kinds of things bring you that sense of peace and ‘being present’ that I talk about here?
{ 24 comments… read them below or add one }
i really want to start running. but its the first push that i haven’t had yet to go out there and really commit to running daily.
i’m most at peace when i sit down with my journal and write poetry
calms me completely
That’s exactly how I feel after yoga!
Yep - my reasons for running are very similar to yours. I had a run like yours a few week ago. I didn’t think about all the bs that was going on in my life - I just let it all go and took in the beauty of the area I was running in. It was wonderful.
I also love how powerful I feel when I run. I mean seriously - 13.1 miles is a long way. It’s pretty amazing that we can run THAT far, and that I’ve ran (and we will run!) 26.2 miles!!
Glad I was able to inspire you! I really look forward to those perfect runs too!
I don’t run, but I’d love to be this passionate about something!
I haven’t gone on a run in a while (because it is too cold/ icy in Sask.), but I run to learn to be a runner. I haven’t ever had a perfect run yet, or even loved running yet, but I want to so bad.
short answer - I run because I can.
and I find myself able to be present and enjoy the moment when I run.
I’m not a runner, but when I go out into nature (especailly in fall when the leaves are peaking) or when I am completely following my instinct, thats when I feel completely in the moment. Whether it be just sitting there enjoying the company of a friend over a mug of hot coffee or simply sitting outside petting my dog. Somtimes when I am writing. I’ve been working a lot over the past few months being completely aware and in the moment. Its very fulfilling.
Excellent post and the very reason why I run as well. So most of the runs suck… when the good ones come along it makes it totally worth all the bad ones.
you’re chasing the dream baby! right on. I run for sheer pleasure and health. It makes me feel good. Some days, it’s the only time I can get for myself. and I love it. just plain fun.
I really miss running… we’ve been having gorgeous weather here, too, and I’ve been a little lost not being able to run.
I went to the gym the other day and did the elliptical for 45 mins– definitely not the same. I felt good because I was doing SOMETHING… but I wanted the elation that running brings.
Great post and beautiful photo!
I love this post! Your last paragraph is pretty much exactly why I run. I alluded to in in my last post but when I’m down for any reason, there’s nothing like a run to make me feel better. Even after a “bad” run, I still feel strong and powerful. Runners’ high is the best!
I know the feeling your talking about!! I love those runs, when everything is perfect, i feel like i could run forever. I love the feeling running gives me, its freeing, all the stress goes away my mind is clear and I’m calm. Even on the hardest of days afterwards i’m so happy that i pushed through.
I had a run like that on Sunday (right before the flu set in!).
Running without an ipod and being present in nature, IS a form of meditation, my friend! There’s no rule that says to meditate you have sit in full lotus and not move for an hour and chant “om”. Granted, that’s one way to do it, but it’s mostly about just being present.
Sometimes I sit and meditate.
Sometimes I run and meditate.
Sometimes I knit and meditate.
As long as you’re present, you’re meditating (IMHO).
H =)
I should start running again…before it gets too cold and icy. I hate running indoors, so I don’t usually do it much in the winter.
When I do get into a running routine, it’s pretty awesome, I must admit.
I get the feeling you mentioned when I do most physical activity, probably because I love physical activity in pretty much any form. I find climbing particularly good though. It’s challenging mentally and physically while being exhilarating and meditative all at the same time, I guess I could say the same thing about parkour as well.
ooh i just love this post girl
inspiring!!! xoxo
Yoga and tai chi both (on a good day) do it. I’m glad you found your thing
I can’t say running gives me that good, peaceful feeling. Mainly because it hurts so much and I’m so focused on the pain than anything else. Sigh. It gets better, right?
But I do have to say, my mom is the same way. She loves, loves, loves, loves, LOVES running! She doesn’t understand why more people don’t love it because it just fills her up with happiness. I love that she gets so much out of it - and wish I did, too!
I love this post and i couldnt agree more!!! My personal lil quote i came up with all on my lonesome is “running gives me something that nothing else can” SO true on so many levels! glad we can share running together!
Great question … I run for balance … it clears my head de-stesses me and makes me a happier person. What keeps me running is the social side, running with friends.
I don’t run, but every runner I’ve met says that running is the one of the best ways to clear their heads…. for me, it’s when I’m driving all alone
Hi Amber! I just got into the blogging world and I’ve been following your blog for about a week now, I love it!
I just recently came back from an injury that kept me from running consistently and pain free for about two years. This has made me appreciate every run, no matter how good or bad! I run because, like you, I love that feeling you get after running.
whenever I read posts like these, I wish I had a passion for running like you. I just hate it! and I’m no good at it. but I sooo wish I had the desire to run like you do. I think it’s great to have something like that in your life that is not only good for you physically but mentally and emotionally. something that can let you destress and free your mind, so to speak. singing does that for me. too bad it doesn’t burn that many calories though!
btw, sorry to be so late to comment. busy week! today is catch up day
Thank you for this post Amber darling! This is exactly why I run too even though I’ve been terribly off and on for years. I read it Thursday evening, after a long and tiring day and I was NOT looking forward to an 8km tempo run I had on my schedule. It was just the post I needed to get myself up and out the door on the run. And it was a pretty great run too. Not perfect, but good enough to make me feel great and excited about it.
It’s also great to know that most people don’t always or even frequently have perfect runs. It’s discouraging when an entire weeks worth of running is difficult/hard/bad but if everyone else is going through it too then it makes it feel a little better.
Thanks for the perfect post at the perfect moment!