So THAT’S why people run.
Elizabeth October 19th, 2009
So, the weirdest thing just happened.
This afternoon I got home from work feeling exhausted. My entire day was spent putting out metaphorical fires at work, in preparation for a major event that my office is running tomorrow. And since I will be out of the office tomorrow to set up for this event, I also had to get a bunch of tomorrow’s work done too.
Today was Run Day. I could have done it tomorrow, except for the fact that I’ll be tied up at work until about midnight and there won’t be an opportunity. So when I got home I reluctantly put my shoes on and ran in the direction of a nearby pharmacy, figuring I could kill two birds and get a prescription filled.
Today’s program was three 5-minute runs, with a couple of short walks to break them up. Even though I took the scenic route and chose a couple of little hills, I found myself close to the pharmacy halfway through my second run. I decided to run far beyond my original destination and cover some new ground rather than just running in circles to make up the time.
By the time I finished my third run I was at the pharmacy door, and I was completely spent. I’d made sure that my last minute or so was a really strong pace to make the most of my session. The five minutes I spent waiting for my prescription was a very welcome relief.
My heart rate was still nice and high when I left the store, so I thought I’d give it a little extra time. No clock, no set pace – just an opportunity to jog along the backstreets and keep my heart rate nice and lively. I thought I might stretch it out a couple of minutes longer, just for a bonus.
I ran from that store all the way to my front gate, door to door.
Google Maps tells me that this last little “bonus” was 1.5km, and at my jogging pace it took about 10 minutes. Something weird happened where I wasn’t in any pain or discomfort anymore, and I didn’t need to stop for anything! I didn’t even pause to cross roads – just kept jogging until a break in traffic opened up. I know how insignificant this must seem to anybody who has ever been able to run… but this is a completely new experience for me!
This has taught me so much about the role my mind plays when it comes to exercise. I believe – without a doubt – that I could not have covered that much ground if I had been conscious of time. It’s strange how I kept setting myself new goals along the way home, only to find that I didn’t need to stop once I reached them.
So, runners? I get it now. I really, really get it.
And I want more.
- 101 in 1001 , C25K , Health & Fitness , Life , Running
- Comments(4)
This is the greatest experience I have ever heard. I was so excited, it means that I can also possibly do it!
Congratulations and thanks a lot!!
Congratulations. It sounds like you hit “the zone.” It’s a wonderful feeling.
I ran for about 35 years but had to give it up due to a knee injury. There are two kinds of zones that I know of – a mental one and a physical one. Based on the distance you ran, you probably hit the mental zone. It’s one of those times when all seems right with the world. The running is easy and life is good. And you don’t want that “moment” to end.
The physical zone usually takes 40 minutes or so and then some chemicals kick in that will give you a euphoric feeling. It’s very different from the mental one.
Another benefit of running is that it will improve your health, though perhaps not your joints, in many ways. If I recall correctly you suffer from asthma. So do I. Running reduced the frequency and severity of problems. I have also found that when you’re sick, and assuming you aren’t running a fever, going for a run is good for you. I don’t know what happens physically, but it always helped my illness.
Keep up the good work.
I’m starting tomorrow. FMB
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