Member-only story
The loneliness during a run strengthens us much beyond our physical body.
You take the first step. Then another. Slowly, you pick up your speed. You experience the first hit of joy as you continue to run. You sweat. Your heart is racing. You hit the sweet spot where you could continue running forever. You reach your goal time. Finally, you stop with an indescribable high.
People run for various reasons. To lose weight. To train for a marathon. To get fitter. To avoid the intimidating weights at the gym. To achieve clarity.
Beyond the physical benefits of running, it has an established role in inducing endorphins, the natural antidote to stress and pain. As my initial physical suffering of running waned, I discovered a solid 30 minutes of unmatched focus in each of those runs. It was planced somewhere between the practice of meditation and journaling, where you are able to both think through your day as well as silence the mind by concentrating on the act of running.
Running unexpectedly turned out to my most productive daily habit.
Ask yourself questions about your day.
Running allows you time alone without the risk of seeming lazy. As you run, ask yourself about your day, particularly how you felt about people and events. About the decisions you are faced with…
