Millions of people around the world run for a variety of
different reasons. To get exercise, to
stay in shape for another sport, to explore.
Some people run 2 miles at a time while others run over 100. Some doing it merely for exercise, while
others are fanatics. There are several
reasons to run and no wrong or right way of doing it. Many people also have several reasons why
they don’t run. Hearing reasons why
people don’t run is just as intriguing to me as hearing reasons why they run. A reason what I get frequently is that people
find it boring. Many people have told me
that they have tried running but due to boredom and fatigue, they often spend
the entire time looking at their phone or watch, wanting it to be over as soon
as possible. Even running junkies have
days when they feel this way, but there are many ways to make running a more
interesting and enjoyable activity.
I encourage you to use your senses while running. Keep your head level and really look at the
world around you. Look to the left, look
to the right, look straight ahead. If
you’re running a familiar route, you will see things that you barely noticed
before. That is one of my favorite
things about running through nature; I always notice something new. And if you’re running a new route, you will
take in all the natural world that is surrounding you, and if you run there
again you will discover something new. Take
a deep breath every so often and inhale the fresh air. This is especially a refresher when it is
cool outside. Really taking the time to
look around and breathing in the fresh outside air allows us to form a connection
with the natural world, which in turn nourishes our souls and makes us happier
and more comfortable. Think about your
dog when you take him or her for a walk.
Watch as he looks and sniffs around.
Does it seem like he’s in a hurry to get back home? Doesn’t it seem like he could just walk
forever effortlessly at times? He looks around, smells everything, and wants to
go places he sometimes shouldn’t. He’s
exploring and is completely in tune with his surroundings. Dogs love going for walks because that is how
they form a connection to the natural world.
When your dog goes crazy at the sight of you holding the leash, he knows. The more often dogs get walked, the happier
they are. The connection to nature is
what makes them happy. In that respect,
people are no different. There is a
direct correlation between our happiness level and how connected we are with
the natural world. I also encourage you
to change it up. If your everyday route is
becoming too redundant, switch things up by running on a nature trail, through
a new neighborhood that you haven’t seen before, by the beach, or along a lake
shore. Every city and neighborhood has
unique outdoor places of interest to go running regardless of where you
live.
Another common reason I hear for people’s distaste in
running is because it hurts. Well, the
truth is it’s supposed to hurt to an extent.
If you don’t have minor aches and pains here and there, you’re not doing
something right. But there are ways to
mitigate the pain that running causes such as shin splints, foot pain, and knee
pain. These types of pain are caused by
too much pounding on hard surfaces and incorrect foot landing. If you’re having lots of pain in your feet
and legs, even running a short distance but pounding on the pavement, chances
are that is the source of your pain. The
key to minimizing the pain is running with proper form; coming down mid foot, minimizing
the impact the ground has on your body by coming down lightly, and taking short
strides. Coming down hard with too much
emphasis on your forefoot or heel causes irregular stress to your tibia and
shin muscles, resulting in shin splints and knee pain. Coming down mid foot minimizes the impact and
allows all your leg and foot muscles to work evenly. Even if you run with proper form, you will
still experience a little pain and discomfort but these little nuisances have a
way of working themselves out. The more
frequently you run, the faster your body will be in ridding itself of the minor
pain. A great way to perfect your
running form is to run barefoot. Running
barefoot is the most natural way to use your leg and foot muscles. With nothing between you and the ground, your
feet are making direct impact which will cause your body to naturally minimize
it’s contact with the ground and allow you to run lightly. To minimize pain, it’s best to start off
running on the beach, on smooth pavement such as a bike path, or a grass field going
short distances. Going from using
footwear to going barefoot and logging longer distances right away could cause
a lot of discomfort.
A lot of people listen to music while they run. While some runners view it as a distraction,
putting on the right music can increase your focus, energy level, and speed. Overtime, the music you listen to while you
run will likely become your favorite. As
a guy who loves music, I’ve found that running can also be a cool way of
enjoying it in a different way. When
most people are listening to music it makes them want to move. It makes them want to either bob their head,
dance, or air guitar. Being in motion
while running is a different approach to physically enjoying the music. It also helps to have a running friend or group
of friends. Running in groups allows
people to encourage one another and it gives you the opportunity to catch up,
hang out, and talk. Being connected by
having a shared goal to run a certain distance is also a factor that can
strengthen friendships.
Running isn’t for everyone, but it is a great way to get
exercise, stay in shape, and explore. If
it seems miserable, you would be surprised how the experience can change by
using these techniques to help change your outlook on the sport. The great thing about running is that we are
all students and teachers. There is
always useful information to pass along to others and plenty to learn from
others as well. In time, the results
will speak for themselves and could take you to some wild places!
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