When I worked for a living in Minnesota, I ran when I could make the time, and the weather wasn't too awful; running in boots takes some of the fun out of it.
When I moved to Florida, I was in seven heaven. I found I loved running when it was hot and pushed myself to see how many days I could run in a row. When I retired, it became even better. I didn't have to make time to run; I had to make time for doing everything else.
When my health took a turn for the worse, and I could no longer run without coughing my lungs out, everything suffered. I learned that I could see get that runner's high by suiting up and walking at a fast pace. Do I miss pounding the pavement? Hell, Yes! I am just thankful I can get out and push myself, even at a slower pace, and still feel an accomplishment of at least getting out there and not giving up. I could be in a hospital bed or dragging around an oxygen tank to keep me alive. Be thankful you're still alive and not pushing up daisies.
You must have been a lot younger when you lived in Minnesota. Amazing what you can get your body to do!
I see older folks on the Trail pulling their O2 tanks behind them . That looks like work, but they seem to be enjoying being out doors.
Presuming you have read all the books on breathing, I am still going to recommend the Oxygen Advantage by Patrick Mckeown. The exercises do work, at least for me, but I can't say for anyone else. We're all different. Take care, keep moving! :)
I think this ties in perfectly with the Japanese idea of Forest Bathing. The idea of us being in nature, promotes a range of 'good stuff' being produced biologically.
Great post. For me, running has always been my therapy and even more so during the upheaval of COVID. When I was sidelined due to an injury, my mood and mental health went into a downward spiral. I’m thankful to have that in the past and appreciate every run even more.
Thanks, Melissa! I definitely experience the same, whenever I take more than a week or so away from it. My body seems to need it, and definitely feels it when I don't get to do it.
Good topic, I agree and found that when I used to get out & run that I felt so much more grounded, connected with my environment, and actually (small). Yes I felt so SMALL! Not insignificant, but small, (amid an arrogant puffed up culture that is so easy to fall into) in comparison to this vast earth/world we are so blessed to be alive within, with euphoric moments I miss it!
That's such an interesting observation, Sean -- it's kind of a relief, isn't it? That we're not the center of the universe, that the sun will rise and set without our assistance. Makes you think.
Got the book from the library several years ago when you recommended it. I was excited to get it, but after trying to read the material,, we just didn't mesh. Oh well, some folks have more problems with their mood than I do and I know running helps. Heck, it helps just to get outdoors for a few moments. :)
Reading The Rose Code by Quinn. . . Three females in the 30s/40s who were masters at deciphering the Nazi code. I'm not normally into historical fiction, much less that on WW ll, but Quinn's writing is captivating. As they say. . . a good book reads itself!
Not much in the way of running here. Cold and rainy. I walked yesterday doing some shopping. Promised myself I'll start the ChiWalk/Run program tomorrow since I can breathe and walk fast
again. :) Sometimes, all it takes is a long rest for the body to recuperate! :)
Guess what I picked up at the bookstore yesterday? ‘The Diamond Eye’! I saw it on a table and remembered your recommendation. Going to start it this weekend 👍
I run Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays. I run alone but meet up with some friends for some post run exercises. I feel you. The days I miss my run I feel depressed. It's slowly replaced wanton partying & drinking as the highlight of my day :)
Great post. Thank you. I am almost exclusively a morning runner, due to kids and family obligations, and after dealing with chronic fatigue for many years, I have learned that I need to run in the morning or it may not happen. What I find interesting in terms of running as a mood/mental health enhancer, is that I often feel best with runs between 8-12 miles. That seems to be my sweet spot. But I run marathons--so that means long runs of 20+ in peak weeks. For whatever reason, once I get into the much longer runs, even with electrolytes and a meal after returning, my mood suffers for the rest of the day. I hang around in the running sub on Reddit as well, and have never met anyone else who has experienced this. I have wondered if it may be tied to an inflammatory issue, because I have PCOS. But very curious to know if anyone here has ever experienced the opposite and a feeling of slight depression after very long runs.
On the whole, though--running 100% helps with overall mood, energy levels, mental focus, and ability to navigate the stressful work day. There is nothing like a successful early morning run followed by a shower and an iced coffee. :)
When I worked for a living in Minnesota, I ran when I could make the time, and the weather wasn't too awful; running in boots takes some of the fun out of it.
When I moved to Florida, I was in seven heaven. I found I loved running when it was hot and pushed myself to see how many days I could run in a row. When I retired, it became even better. I didn't have to make time to run; I had to make time for doing everything else.
When my health took a turn for the worse, and I could no longer run without coughing my lungs out, everything suffered. I learned that I could see get that runner's high by suiting up and walking at a fast pace. Do I miss pounding the pavement? Hell, Yes! I am just thankful I can get out and push myself, even at a slower pace, and still feel an accomplishment of at least getting out there and not giving up. I could be in a hospital bed or dragging around an oxygen tank to keep me alive. Be thankful you're still alive and not pushing up daisies.
Wow, you ran in boots when you lived in Minnesota?! I knew you were an avid runner, Steve, but that's hardcore! 😃
You must have been a lot younger when you lived in Minnesota. Amazing what you can get your body to do!
I see older folks on the Trail pulling their O2 tanks behind them . That looks like work, but they seem to be enjoying being out doors.
Presuming you have read all the books on breathing, I am still going to recommend the Oxygen Advantage by Patrick Mckeown. The exercises do work, at least for me, but I can't say for anyone else. We're all different. Take care, keep moving! :)
I think this ties in perfectly with the Japanese idea of Forest Bathing. The idea of us being in nature, promotes a range of 'good stuff' being produced biologically.
Such an interesting point!
Great post. For me, running has always been my therapy and even more so during the upheaval of COVID. When I was sidelined due to an injury, my mood and mental health went into a downward spiral. I’m thankful to have that in the past and appreciate every run even more.
Thanks, Melissa! I definitely experience the same, whenever I take more than a week or so away from it. My body seems to need it, and definitely feels it when I don't get to do it.
Good topic, I agree and found that when I used to get out & run that I felt so much more grounded, connected with my environment, and actually (small). Yes I felt so SMALL! Not insignificant, but small, (amid an arrogant puffed up culture that is so easy to fall into) in comparison to this vast earth/world we are so blessed to be alive within, with euphoric moments I miss it!
That's such an interesting observation, Sean -- it's kind of a relief, isn't it? That we're not the center of the universe, that the sun will rise and set without our assistance. Makes you think.
Thanks for re-sharing this! I needed a reminder.
Great article with some really great reminders - thanks for sharing!
Thanks, Andrew!!
Loved this. Downloading Running is my Therapy right now!
Thanks so much, Jillian!
Got the book from the library several years ago when you recommended it. I was excited to get it, but after trying to read the material,, we just didn't mesh. Oh well, some folks have more problems with their mood than I do and I know running helps. Heck, it helps just to get outdoors for a few moments. :)
Reading The Rose Code by Quinn. . . Three females in the 30s/40s who were masters at deciphering the Nazi code. I'm not normally into historical fiction, much less that on WW ll, but Quinn's writing is captivating. As they say. . . a good book reads itself!
Not much in the way of running here. Cold and rainy. I walked yesterday doing some shopping. Promised myself I'll start the ChiWalk/Run program tomorrow since I can breathe and walk fast
again. :) Sometimes, all it takes is a long rest for the body to recuperate! :)
Guess what I picked up at the bookstore yesterday? ‘The Diamond Eye’! I saw it on a table and remembered your recommendation. Going to start it this weekend 👍
I run Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays. I run alone but meet up with some friends for some post run exercises. I feel you. The days I miss my run I feel depressed. It's slowly replaced wanton partying & drinking as the highlight of my day :)
Great post. Thank you. I am almost exclusively a morning runner, due to kids and family obligations, and after dealing with chronic fatigue for many years, I have learned that I need to run in the morning or it may not happen. What I find interesting in terms of running as a mood/mental health enhancer, is that I often feel best with runs between 8-12 miles. That seems to be my sweet spot. But I run marathons--so that means long runs of 20+ in peak weeks. For whatever reason, once I get into the much longer runs, even with electrolytes and a meal after returning, my mood suffers for the rest of the day. I hang around in the running sub on Reddit as well, and have never met anyone else who has experienced this. I have wondered if it may be tied to an inflammatory issue, because I have PCOS. But very curious to know if anyone here has ever experienced the opposite and a feeling of slight depression after very long runs.
On the whole, though--running 100% helps with overall mood, energy levels, mental focus, and ability to navigate the stressful work day. There is nothing like a successful early morning run followed by a shower and an iced coffee. :)
One of your other subscribers recommended it a while back. . . Than him, not me!!!!
Wonderful!!! You won't be able to put it down once you start!