Why Some People are So Passionate about Running

Olympic great Jesse Owens once said “I always loved running…it was something you could do by yourself, and under your own power. You could go in any direction, fast or slow as you wanted, fighting the wind if you felt like it, seeking out new sights just on the strength of your feet and the courage of your lungs.” For many people, this is a statement that really resonates with them. But why don’t you seem to share that kind of passion for a sport that seems arbitrary, very difficult, and downright exhausting?

Runners enjoy the challenge of a tough run. With some exercises, especially low-weight presses and pulls at the gym, it sometimes doesn’t even feel like you’re challenging your body that much. When you’re running, you know you’re exercising – you can see it simply by the pavement moving underneath your feet. If you’re working hard, you can feel it in every breath you take and the feeling of your shoe hitting the ground. Some people would rather not waste their time with exercises that don’t actually make you feel like you just exercised. They relish the challenge because, while it is hard, they at least know that it was time efficiently-spent.

Some people love the solitude – or even camaraderie – of running. Running can be a lonely sport for some people, but for others, there’s nothing quite like the solitude of heading out on the sidewalk and having an adventure all by yourself. It reminds you of how powerful you really can be, and how motivated you can be when the only thing you have in front of you is pavement and your own wits.

Other people like the camaraderie of races, or running with partners – it’s good exercise and it can be a social activity. All you have to do is decide to bring someone along.

The runner’s high! If you haven’t experienced a “runner’s high,” you’re missing out. There’s nothing like fresh, clean endorphins moving in your body, and the feeling of a runner’s high is a feeling of elation that’s well-earned. It doesn’t come with the side effects of a sugar rush, and it takes some burned calories in order for you to earn it. It’s a thing of beauty, and if you can reach it, you’ll understand where some runners get their passion.

Photo Credits: bernardoh

This post involves:

camaraderie, courage, elation, endorphins, exercise, exercises, hitting the ground, jesse owens, lungs, Olympic, passion, pavement, runners, sidewalk, solitude, tough run, wits

... and focuses on:

Running

Posted by Bike Swim Run on October 29, 2009 in Running. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.