I Finally Understand Running
Dave Gerhardt
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Over last three months I’ve changed my lifelong hatred of running.
I’m 35. I’ve been into fitness for the last 15 years, but it’s mostly been around lifting weights. I walk a ton, usually 10,000 - 15,000 steps/day. But running has always been a chore and one I just decided to avoid.
I take pride in my health + activity levels, and have always just said ah I’m active enough, I don’t need to run.
But in my guest to be well roundedly athletic and healthy for a 35 year old male, I felt that running was missing. I don’t need to run marathons, but I’d like to be able to run 3-5 miles at will. I thought that would be a relatively good benchmark of fitness, so I started to mix in running. Once a week I’d run about three miles. And it was great. I enjoyed running more than I thought. I got many benefits from it I had forgotten about. And honestly it just felt great to be outside, having some good music in my headphones, and go for a run. When you get some Drake Jimmy Cooks or Rich Flex or No Friends In The Industry or Lil Wayne Let The Beat Build or even Mario Winans I Don’t Want to Know… I get a different gear when running. Some goosebumps and a big smile on my face singing to myself and no one knows what I’m so happy about.
Anyway, I wanted to chase this “high” from running more frequently, so I started running three days a week.
And then all of a sudden, I’m running every day. I can’t wait to run. Nothing crazy, lately it’s just been a quick 2 or 3 miles in so I can go out and back in 20-30 minutes. But it feels like a cheat code.
What I like about running:
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- Improves cardiovascular health. Makes my heart stronger, something I care more than ever about as I get older.
- Improves my mood + mental clarity. After a run problems seem to go away or a solution exposes itself, or things that were bugging me before or I was cranky about or grump about seem to just go away - and I am just an overall better, more tolerant, likable person after a run (feel the same way about weight lifting and other works out too, but it feels sharper after a run)
- Increase in energy. Maybe this is also related to the mood thing but I feel like my battery recharges and I have a boost in energy after running
- It gets me outside. We were meant to be outside, not inside huncher over a computer all day; I try to get as much time outside as I can and feel better when I’ve been outside; and there’s something about running outside that feels primal .. it’s just you, using your body, to run.
- It is versatile + efficient. It takes no equipment - just your shoes + the right clothing. It doesn’t take much time?– 20-30 minutes/day. Or even 14 minute run. I can achieve those benefits above anywhere, anytime. It’s like a drug. And I can access it anytime. It’s an incredible tool for heart + mind + body.
I don’t know if I’ll run everyday forever, but it seems like some of the best 20-30 minute medicine you can find. Especially when I have the headphones in.
EVP of Biztec - Making Biztec better, one process and organizational task at a time ??
1 年I discovered running last year. Similar aspirations. I love what it does for my mind. Reenergizes me, builds self-confidence, improves my mood.
Writer | Head of Content Marketing at eDreams ODIGEO
1 年Your newsletter has such a badass rebellious name for it to be published on LI. ?? ??
Group CSO | Aspiring Board Leader | Leading Growth, Transformation & Sustainable Innovation
1 年Dave Gerhardt Totally get what you mean. I discovered running late in life—just before turning 50, three years ago—and hope to be healthy enough to continue this amazing hobby for many more years.
CMO | Board Director | Advisor | Unifier
1 年Welcome to the best, lifelong addiction you’ll ever have. And to a wonderful community. Just go ahead and sign up for an ultra, now.
Project Manager | Leading Multinational Teams With Succinct Communication and Military-Grade Agility & Teamwork
1 年Welcome to my 'church', my 'sanctuary', my 'oasis.' As an ultra-marathoner I find running extremely therapeutic, relaxing, and fun. Nothing else comes close (and no, I don't recommend running 100 km's at a time lol).