Why am I running?
... or more precisely "why are you running?", is a question I heard a lot from friends, colleagues and acquaintances, specially when I started running seriously on a regular basis.
Let me explain you why, and the many benefits this has to me!
Stay in shape/exercise
Quite obvious, isn't it?
That's really the first reason why I started running, to lose weight and stop
sweating all the time!
But this is even more true in these COVID-19/lockdown/curfew times, where you don't get a chance to move (go to the office, a bar, a restaurant) and exercise: running is a good way to e.g. hit your steps goal (5k/10k or whatever goal you have).
Get to know your surroundings
(This one will obviously true when we'll be able to travel again)
I like running in places I don't know (e.g. when travelling for business), as it
allows you discovering a city from a different angle; plus, as I like running
early, you have the city/place for yourself, and can enjoy sunrises or the
(relative) silence surrounding the streets.
For iconic places where you won't return in a while, it's also nice to run near
monuments or spots that you'll enjoy or think about long after you're back home.
I still have vivid memories of runs I did e.g. on the Golden Gate Bridge in San
Francisco, near the Opera House in Sydney, or early morning runs in Tokyo!
On that topic, I recommend reading my 2 articles about Sites for manually drawing Running Routes and Sites publishing popular Running Routes in cities.
Cool down / evacuate the stress
This used to be true outside a pandemic, but that's even more true since COVID-19: with days spent entirely remotely, on conference calls, with no clear split between work time and family time, stress can appear - going outside for a run is a good way for me to cool down, think about other topics than work, or even think about work and how I could fix a problem - all while running.
Sometimes I will just listen to music and think about nothing apart from putting one foot in front of the other, there are many variations ;)
Being alone
This one does not apply to everyone, but as I like running alone, that's perfect for me: again, with COVID-19 and constant remote calls, lockdown with kids at home and their homework to look at, you don't really get a chance to be alone.
Running is a way to just be with yourself.
(I know that other folks prefer running with other runners - I'm not saying I dislike it! On the contrary, I do enjoy running with colleagues whenever I can, that's a good way to get to know each other outside work).
Carpe Diem
.. or enjoy the moment (litteraly "Seize the day")!
What i'm referring to here is some small details/interactions that I'm particularly enjoying when running/working out:
- water sprinklers in fields: super nice when it's hot, they cool you down, and if you're lucky, you'll sometimes see rainbows! <3
- when running in the woods, spotting wild animals such as boars, deers or squirrels always make me happy
- running alongside rivers: I find it soothing and also you usually have nice surroundings; plus in summer time, the temperature is cooler!
Wrap Up
That's it, really - a short one but I hope it gives a bit of insight on why I'm running.
And you, what motivates you? Hit me up on Twitter to let me know!
Tags: Running