It’s been about nine years since the last time I was devoted to running on a regular basis. And let me tell you, today proved that it’s gonna take some hard work to get started again!
My rendezvous with running started in high school when I was told I wouldn’t be allowed to play soccer (my favorite sport) and play music in the marching band (yes I went to band camp) during the same season. This really pissed me off, and after some inquiry I was told the only sport flexible enough to fit my schedule was cross-country.
Needless to say, on paper cross-country looks like torture compared to every other high school sport. I mean who the hell would want to spend the entire Fall season running miles upon miles upon miles until sunset? Well for all its negative points, I was finally sold when I found out the girl I liked was on the team. Oh man, here was my chance to mack it and get some exercise at the same time.
Well to make a long story short, I never got the girl, but I did fall in love with running miles. It didn’t happen immediately – the first month was pure hell, and I threw up after my first practice. But slowly I developed my abilities, and by senior year I had maxed out at nine miles.
For those who have never tried long-distance running, I highly recommend it. Here are some of the positive results I guarantee you will gain from exploring this activity:
- Endurance – Your experience of the relationship between mind and body takes on a much greater intensity when running. You will soon learn that your mind has a different threshold for endurance than your body. And the most awesome aspect of running is when you can tell your mind to shut up and you reach a new personal record.
- Increased Lung Capacity – This is an awesome plus because increased lung capacity will enhance any other exercise routine you have.
- Deeper, More Refreshing Sleep – You’ll be out like a light when you hit your bed. And when you wake up you’ll have more energy than usual. The fact is internalized stress messes with your sleep cycle, and running is great for burning off all that extra energy.
- Running High – Things get real light and colorful after you run a couple miles. It won’t last longer than a couple minutes, but it does happen. There’s really nothing like experiencing your body at the peak of physical exhaustion.
For those of you who attempt to begin a long distance routine, always remember to hum the theme to Chariots of Fire when you begin and finish – it’ll make it that much more dramatic and awesome.
Image Used in this Post
EX2 Backyard Burn PSFP image courtesy of Brain Knight Photography.
6 Comments
The longest I have ever run was 7 miles. Once I hit the 3rd mile, my mind went into the zone and it was an excellent experience – too bad it was on a treadmill.
Running in the morning is great for starting your day, better than coffee or RedBull. It helps you burn the excess stress and get focused.
Andrew, are you planning on getting back into the swing of things?
Running makes me sick and constantly running long distances is bad for your ankles knees and hips. Low impact exercise can improve more muscle groups and do less damage to your joints. Boo Running!
Ha, well there is definitely some truth to what you’re saying Claire. For one thing I’m never again going to run anywhere near 9 miles, mind you even 4 or 5 because it definitely does mess with your body the older you get.
I do believe in moderation, and a think a mile or two every other day is good for the body.
Running a marathon? Horrible horrible idea. Unless you are P-Diddy of course. Cause then nothing is a horrible idea.
I’d say the best way to get mileage and a good cardio work out is biking.
But then again if you are a guy that can mess with your family jewels if you don’t have the right seat.