Running and I have always had a complicated relationship. One of those where it doesn’t make me happy, but it makes me feel about myself. Kind of like those days where you’ve been going strong and eating healthy all day…but then at midnight you’re starving. And then you rekindle a love that you thought you left behind you when you committed to that celery earlier in the day…pizza. And thats ok because you already devoted your time to that celery, and pizza needs some love from you too. With running its like you’re really proud that you did it, but you probably wont try it again for three months.
But I struggle relating to those girls who find running to be “fun.” I don’t necessarily hate it, but by no means would I actually give it the “fun” label and I definitely couldn’t love it enough to commit to 7 or 8 miles of it. Running is an unnecessary evil that just so happens to be optional. So how do they do it? Where does this so called “Runner’s High” come into play?
Honestly, I have no idea and I don’t believe it exists. Because I’ve tried. So. Hard.
Stages of Running According to the Average Girl:
Self Determination: I go through periods of time where getting fit becomes a sudden priority, because I am determined to better myself and my physical appearance. Looking good naked is goals. All those fitness inspiration accounts on Instagram have officially done their job. Even if it only lasts a week, at least I can say I tried. The self determination is what leads to the decision to run, therefore making it the hardest stage.
Commitment: Commitment is the easiest. Buy a new pair of running shoes and norts and I am all good to go just so I have a legit excuse to wear them. Lookin cute while I run down 5th street never hurts and it actually gets me out of the house and committed to this newfound athletic mentality. Not to mention the new playlist I made right before I left that may have put me 30 minutes behind schedule.
Distraction: I’m already short of breath and then I kind of get into a rhythm and give myself a good pep talk, but oh wait, my left shoe is kinda loose. Better stop and retie it. Man it felt good to stop. My legs are already thanking me from a small break from the pain.
Refocus: Ignoring the cries of help from my legs, I continue down the path ahead focusing on going forward at a steady pace.
Motivation: Ugh man that guy is so hot. I look good right now and I’m actually trying. I’ve probably already lost 5 pounds. I can do this, that guy just checked me out. Wow maybe this running thing is easy after all.
Push Forward: I’m going to just run a little faster down this block while I pass this really cute guy. I can do this. I feel like I have so much energy. Wow I’m totally going to do this everyday.
Gasping: Two blocks later I have no air in my lungs and I feel like I haven’t had water in two weeks. Running is not ok, no one should put their bodies through this.
Denial: I shouldn’t put my body through this. Why am I doing this to myself? There are so many other forms of exercise that I can get just as much of a workout from.
Uber: Yeah that’s right, Uber. Because I am officially too far from my house to have the energy to walk back… Let alone continue my “run.”
I have so much respect for everyone out there reading this who is capable of running for more than 10 minutes nonstop. I would love to be enlightened on your ways of breathing and effort and you know…running. The actual word makes me cringe. I wish I could be one of those awesome people who chooses to run 5k’s…for fun. I just haven’t found any proof from personal experience that a runner’s high actually exists. All I can say is, if you’re one of those people who managed to find this “Runner’s High” then good for you. Personally I just think it’s all in your head, but I’ll probably continue the journey of finding it because apparently running is good for you, no matter how terrible it makes you feel while you’re doing it.