Why would you run?

​I’m just an average woman that started running to get in shape, and after a while of toughing out the first miles, my “torture” became something I looked forward to. There's more to the finish than just knowing you knocked out some miles, there's also a feeling of elation that you get from your own body’s natural feel-good, pain-reducing meds like epinephrine and norepinephrine or adrenaline (1). That’s the rush you feel when you cross a finish line or even stop your watch when you're out on your own. 

That euphoria you feel lingering around when you're done makes non-runners wonder why people at races look so happy after running, well it’s because they are! Thanks to the endocannabinoid system (2) and that sense of community runners have, they are so high on life they probably even have the munchies. Haven’t you noticed all the snacks after a race, coincidence? I think not!

And even if you’re not at a race, that euphoria gets you. Of course, it’s a different energy than being in a crowd, but it’s still a fantastic feeling.  No wonder running helps with depression, anxiety, and overall well being.

Look, I’m not sure if it’s for you, because just like my home state's motto: Honestly, it's not for everyone. Can you guess the state? I guess it's why I worked so hard last year to make the move to Colorado. Like running, it's not bad place I got a great education at UNK and had opportunities there but tragically lost people that I learned a lot from. One year, suddenly and shockingly in my professional world and the next year I watched someone very near and dear to me in my personal world suffer through an illness until the battle was over. I needed a fresh start in a new place, it is exactly what I needed but it didn't' erase or take any of the pain away. Although, running has taught me how to keep moving forward through uncomfortable times. 

Back to running, let me tell you if you give it a chance and you discover some of the joy that this sport has given me, well that’s all I want for you. It’s helped me overcome a lot of uncertainty and loss in my life. In fact, for a few years that was something I was always working through. Maybe a running habit can be your fresh new start?

Before you go for a run and then come back and write mean things to me or find me and throw things at me because it was terrible. Please follow this one piece of advice if you are not currently running. You have to walk before you run, so please start a regular walking habit and work your way into alternating running a few minutes and be patient with progress. 

This is a time of loss for us all. We’ve all experienced losing a life we were used to and are faced with many uncertainties. But these types of challenges give us opportunities to grow, but it is a process that will take time, and like most great things, it may not be easy at first. But if you trust in the process of consistency in your training practice, it will give you a rewarding life.

Stay healthy friends-
Wishing you all peace, and hopefully running finds you.   

Take care, 

Running Coach Nancy

PS-This post evolved from my first attempt at a vlog I filmed on a snowy day. But these pictures show the pure joy in moving your body. My dogs love it too, but don't let the one on the right fool you he just doesn't like pictures!  but they like shorter bursts of exercise, which is excellent also! 

1. University of Montreal. "Why does running make us happy?." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 1 September 2015. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/08/150831085456.htm>.

2. Heijnen, Saskia et al. “Neuromodulation of Aerobic Exercise-A Review.” Frontiers in psychology vol. 6 1890. 7 Jan. 2016, doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01890