Every day, billions of people around the world tie up their running shoes and venture outside, come rain or shine, through the darkest days of winter or the hottest summer days. I wonder, what is behind their motivation to do so, despite the fact that physical or weather conditions may not be always on their side.
It is simple: happiness.
That priceless feeling one can find while running can become quickly addictive for some runners.
Maybe one could more philosophically wonder, from what are they literally running away? What sometimes could be perceived in life as easier to turn your back to and run away, instead of confronting the specific issue, seems to be different in a runner’s mind.
Those who experience the joy through frequent longer or even shorter runs, may confirm that their minds might be calmer and happier after they have completed their running routine. Even though, after a run, a specific life-challenging situation has not changed in its form, but perhaps the way of how someone would confront or deal with their challenges might have improved.
I strongly believe that everyone can find, throughout their life, their own coping strategy on how to best deal with their level of stress or anxieties. We may all seek for ways on how to mentally cope with negative or challenging situations. Some may attribute their coping strategies by drowning their emotions in alcohol or addictive behaviors. While others may find their inner peace and balance through comforting food, art, outdoors in nature, within a huge crowd of people or in solitude. While others reach inner peace through sport. Hence running is so popular among those who attribute exercise to what they feel most beneficial in enhancing their mental health.
Everyone who is on their running journey will agree: every beginning is hard, just as every new beginning in life anyway. Those first few outings running along the pavement can be daunting and extremely discouraging. When breathing becomes difficult after a few minutes into your run and every fiber of your body seems to scream to give up. When the following day an excuse seems very welcome to skip the next running session. It is hard. For everyone.
However, once someone overcomes those initial obstacles and does not allow their mind to give in, they will recognize the joy of running. Not only is it an activity that is entirely free, apart from an investment in a pair of athletic shoes. It does not cost anything to run outside. One can only win: happiness!
However, what exactly is the triggering effect of this wellbeing and euphoria one perceives after running? As it is widely common, those feelings of happiness during exercise can be attributed to the endorphin hormones, as well as the hormones of serotonin and dopamine.
Some runners attribute their happiness to the “Runner’s High” state. That exhilarating, if not euphoric state, which an athlete can reach simply through running.
According to the Marathon Handbook (2022) the runner’s perception of a “high” is real. The Runner’s High is a feeling of elation brought on by continuous exercise. It can vary in its intensity and effects, but a typical Runner’s High includes:
. Feelings of elation, exhilaration, calm and positive vibes.
. Reduced levels of stress
. Less awareness of pain or discomfort
The endorphins can be blamed for reaching this state of a “high.” It takes place completely inside someone’s brain. They are triggered after a bout of physical exercise. When exhaustion would usually force someone to stop, those “feel-good hormones” exude the runners to another level.
Some runners may never achieve this state of happiness. However, whatever the reason is to venture on a running journey: one will not regret it. Regardless, if it is only for a short time or a long intensive run: it is time someone invests in their health. Whatever their aim and goal are, it may facilitate them to achieve it. The feeling of pride when reaching their own distance or a finish line is priceless. It is everyone’s own run. Time spent outdoors, perhaps listening to music or a podcast. A moment in which one can escape their daily life problems, while being catapulted into their own world. It is always an achievement. Especially if one can overcome the initial challenges and can recognize all their mental and physical benefits.
As a very popular quote from an unknown author states: “When your legs are tired, run with your heart.” It is really true that the human body is absolutely amazing. We are all much more capable of what we think we are. Once again it proves that most of our ability for success begins in our mind.
Whatever activity it is that has a positive impact on your life, pursue it. You can only win. Always.
