Why we run is a question many people have tried to answer. However, in all honesty, I think the answer is simple. We are build to run. We are build to physically use, and challenge, our bodies. We are build to endure. Why would modern society of the past few hundred years changed anything in our body structures? Of course, it didn’t change. We just kind of forgot what we have and what we need. I believe, at least.
That said, I do believe our bodies vary. We all need something different. One is probably better of eating meat. The other might be more benefitted with a vegan diet. One body thrives with the short bursts of energy needed to push or pull weight. Another might enjoy hours of metronomical endurance. If you can find out which works best for your body you can build the life you’re meant to live.
That’s the point in my life I’m at right now.
After wasting my time with not very interesting people, screwing up my body with alcohol and weed in amounts too large and trying to impress others, I finally feel I arrived at a point where I can choose what direction I’d like to be headed. I recently lost all lust of satisfying others. Something that’s freeing, but also a quite anxious experience. I always had the energy to go out there, show others my grit and be appreciated. Now, I don’t see the point of it anymore. Everything I used to do for a bit recognition seems pointless. That doesn’t inherently mean that I’m enlightened now, but also relates to a reduction I feel in my energy levels. Maybe I just pushed a bit too hard in the previous months and only now I feel the tiredness coming over me. It could also be the financial stress of a complete year that finally shows its traces. Probably both.
Now the good thing about losing this desire might be that I can now look at my self again. Dig inside to figure out who I am. What I truly want. Without having to think about some kind of financial success or status that’s to be gained. And still, in the back of my head, I know it still affects me one way or another. Just less.
What I figured in past months is how incredibly good I feel when I run. This process of running is so individualistic. There’s, unless you would try a race, no trophy at the end of the line. No recognition. No applause. It’s just you, the road and the goal ahead. You are bringing yourself to do something that seemed impossible before. If you’ve never experienced this, it’s hard to describe.
And, I can say now that my goals are shifting every day.
Where I came home happily after a 10k run, because “can you imagine I ran so far”, now I come home exhausted from a 30k run. I can’t believe how you can push your body further and further. It’s funny to note that I wasn’t all that happy after the 30k, because I couldn’t believe how tired I felt afterwards. But, I didn’t realise I ran this course with only an apple to draw energy from and no water. I’m pretty sure with a bit of preparation I’m able to do a marathon.
With these new goals in sight my mind is already putting fire to the fantasy. Maybe I can run a 50k. You know what, maybe I’ll run a 100k, preferably soon. That’s why I started checking out all these awesome people who run. People who train their bodies and mind to go beyond what’s ‘possible’. And the more I watch, the more tangible it becomes. I’m making complete lists now of races I would love to enjoy some day.
It’s not only about exercising. It’s about mental challenges that make you dig deeper within and find strength in new places. In the end you know that this strength will translate into action in different parts of your life. It doesn’t limit itself to running. It nests within your being. It becomes the part of you that helps you go through financial struggles. Helps you in your contact with others. Whatever though situation you will ever be in.
That’s why I run, I guess.
Because it’s what our bodies crave. It’s what our mind needs.