By D.C. Lucchesi
There’s no four-letter word quite like “love”. It’s a biggie. Sure, we’re quick to toss it around when we’re gushing about little things like pie, comfortable jeans, or a favorite movie. “Oh, wow! I just loved Gymkata, didn’t you?!” But when we say we love running, we really mean it. No, seriously.
Running makes us feel good. You know the feeling. The one you get when you’ve run faster, or farther than you have before, or the feeling that you get when you’ve just checked that box for the day. Ahhh, accomplishment. Yeah, running releases all sorts of feel-good chemicals in our brains and bodies. Or maybe you don’t recognize that feeling. Until you skip a run and remember what you’re missing!
Running makes us stronger. We’re not going to get all science-y on you, but the health benefits of running have been well-documented. It’s not all about getting toned and lean. Running makes us more confident, too, and willing to take on new challenges; whether they be another sport, another distance, or just another day at the office.
Running helps us remember. And forget. Running gives us the opportunity to slow down (or speed up) and break away from all the crazy, even if for just a little while, and take stock in what’s really important. Running helps us recenter and refocus. Had a bad day? Lace ‘em up. Running hoses off the mess of a lousy day like a $20 car wash.
Running helps us do more. Like to hike, bike, or get your yoga on? Running complements most every activity you could possibly get yourself into, and puts you on “ready” to go with the flow when the chance comes along. And it will! Plus, the fitness you gain from running gives you the gas to keep up with the kids, survive the day, and sometimes surprise yourself with all your capable of.
Running lets us meet new friends. And keep old ones. Put two runners in a crowded room, they’ll find each other. Different distances, different paces, or goals? Doesn’t matter, they’ll connect. Running does that. No matter if your running group is you and one other, or something bigger and more formal, there’s a sense of shared commitment there; whether that commitment is to a particular event, or to just be there every Wednesday morning.
Running takes us places. And not just to races across town or across the country. Running allows us to see our own hometown from a ground level perspective we don’t often get. Hills are steeper – going up or down. Neighbors are more friendly. Trees are taller, grass is greener and all that jazz. Chances are, you probably even know some short cuts Siri doesn’t.
Running is easy. Hard to argue against this one. Just a good pair of shoes and the motivation to get up and out there are really all you need. Sure, fancy gear and gadgets make it more interesting and all, but whether you live at the trailhead of an awesome set of singletrack, straight uptown, or tucked away in the ‘burbs, a head-clearing, lung-searing workout is as close as your front door.
Running is hard. Sure, it’s just one foot in front of the other, after the other, etc., but excuses are easy to come by and overcoming them can be the toughest climb of the day. Sometimes running hurts, or it’s cold outside, or raining. Pushing yourself to go further, faster, or harder, or even just out the door, takes commitment. Turning it into a routine can be its own endurance event.
Running keeps us honest. You can’t bluff your way through a marathon. Or maybe you can, but you’ll have to cash in some serious chips to do so. And it doesn’t have to be a marathon. Running knows when you’ve been unfaithful. Spend some time away and you’ll see how easy it is to lose that hard-earned fitness. Running forgives, too, but we have to work our way back into her good graces.
Running inspires us. Yes, the pros amaze with world records and unfathomable finish times. Equally amazing are the efforts laid out by regular folks who’ve overcome all sorts of obstacles just to finish. Illness, injury, addiction, or commitments to family, work, or whatever. Running is a common thread binding so many success stories.
What’s not to love, right? Besides blisters.
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D.C. Lucchesi runs, rides, and writes from Charlotte.When D.C. isn’t planning or participating in his own “next adventure,” the award-winning writer and former television producer can be found freelancing and waxing poetic on subjects ranging from health and endurance to schools and politics. When he’s not volunteering or coaching in some capacity with school-aged kids, he still enjoys interacting with grown-ups. Find him at dclucchesi@gmail.com.
