Runner’s high
I know some hard core runners who speak about the high they get after pounding on the pavement. For years I’ve smiled and thought such runners were nuts. For the past 14 years I’ve been a walker though I’ve tried running sprints in my walks at times. I’ve intermittently done other fitness activities as well such as aerobics and strength training but walking has been my consistent. The few times I’ve tried running I found it painstakingly miserable. The burn in my chest, the burn in my shins, and the sweat has all turned me off.
However, to spite my gut feeling about a month ago I agreed to give running a real try. Why you ask? Well, the answer has two parts. One is that I’ve been making some major life changes in an attempt to have the healthiest body possible and I felt like I needed to “up” my fitness level and two my very soon to be 30 year old metabolism has slowed down and my walks are no longer allowing me to eat the same amount of calories without weight gain. My dear friend; Amanda, who has been acting as my dietitian and personal trainer suggested that if I wanted to get optimal calorie burn I should incorporate jogging intervals into my walking routine. Her suggestion came at the perfect time for me to begin training for a race that my husband directs to benefit missions. I gently coerced my walking partner (another dear friend) to give running a try.
We started with intervals about a month ago and honestly the first time I began jogging I felt like I might die and I remembered just why I hated running. I only pushed forward to burn extra calories but I hated every second. Our running intervals began to get longer and our walking intervals got shorter. I’m not ready for a half marathon or anything but today I felt the runners high. I was pounding away getting faster all the time and it hit me that I loved the feeling. My body felt light and I felt as though I was soaring. I didn’t want to stop. It was a great feeling and as I type this I can’t wait for my next run! I’m not sure why running has stuck this time, maybe it’s the accountability of friends, maybe it’s that I’m healthier due to the kinds and quality of food I eat , maybe it’s that my body is overall stronger from intense strength training I’m also doing? I’m not sure the reason but I am sure that I now LIKE to run which is something I never though I would say!
March 19th, 2010 at 9:33 am
I am so proud of you and think that you are doing a fantastic job taking care of yourself. I admire your dedication and commitment to your new lifestyle and your goals. Way to go, friend!
March 22nd, 2010 at 8:47 am
Your experience is common, but it awesome that you have stuck with it enough to keep going. One of the coolest things that I have ever experienced when hitting the road is the rare occurrence when I have caught the “second wind.” It’s like your body just finds a groove. Your breathing becomes even, the muscles are loose, and you feel like you could run forever.
Keep up the good work and before long, you’ll be flying to Boston for the marathon.