Why I (still) run...

I think most of us would agree that 2020 in many ways has been the craziest, hardest and saddest of years. Of course out of adversity comes opportunity and potential, however, all in all it’s been tough and it’s OK to acknowledge that. I’ve struggled, my work-mates have struggled, and I’ve spoken with a lot of people over the last few months that are exhausted, anxious, and just completely over it.

I’m not sure about others, but when I start the downward spiral (that’s a whole different story!) , I let slip a bunch of things that I know 100% are good for me, for both my mental and physical condition. One of those things for me is running, but not just running anywhere – for me to get the full benefits package, I need to get into nature and hit some trails.

I’ve had a few niggling injuries over the past few months, so that’s what started the non-running. And then I just kind of let it get away on me. Like the rest of the nation (and the world), my time and energy went elsewhere as we attempted to navigate Covid, and it’s many, far-reaching impacts. I spent my time trying to fix stuff, and forgot about myself.

I don’t know much, but I know a few things… especially in times of high anxiety and stress, we NEED this shit, we MUST take the time to stop, to get out into nature and do our thing, whatever that thing might be. I also love mountain-biking and golf, but without a doubt I get the most from running trails. It’s so, so good for me.

I ran yesterday, not too far and not too long, however, I got onto some of my old favourite trails in Taupo, and boy it was good. I’m pretty unfit at the moment, so that first few weeks back is often a bit of a grind, but it was just so great to feel the body hitting those slightly squishy trails again.

After that run, and enjoying a very real runners high, I thought about an article that I wrote (apparently) just over 4 years ago, so thought I’d dust it off and throw it out there. If just one person straps on their shoes after reading this, then that’s a win.

The important bit is below… enjoy.

I thought I’d share my key reasons for running, and it’s no surprise that these reasons became very clear to me while running trails in Taupo. In no particular order;

1.   Fantails – I like to believe that fantails are the reincarnated spirits of our favourite people that are no longer with us. It’s remarkable how often I have a fantail, often two actually, flutter along with me on the trails. One of them is my Mother, the other is my best childhood friend, Stef. And sometimes Steve Neary pops along when I’m struggling up a hill! I talk to them, and they have got me through some tough times out there

2.   Alone “think” time – by nature I enjoy being by myself (I’m a classic introvert), and trails are the place I go to get my solitude fix, to just be me on the trails, with no agenda except to run. I’ve recently read the book “Shoe Dog”, Phil Knight’s personal memoir of the Nike journey, and I resonate strongly with his words, “my psyche was in true harmony when I had a mix of alone time and team time”

3.   Problem-solving and de-cluttering – we all have problems and issues that arise, in all aspects of our somewhat complex and “busy” lives. I take my issues onto the trail, and it’s rare that they come back with me. I can also feel my mind de-fragging while I’m out there, bits get filed into the places where they should be, and create space for me to think more effectively when I head back into the world

4.   Gratitude – sometimes it’s really easy for me to say things like “I have to go for a run”, knowing that I should. Try replacing one wee word in that sentence, and try this on for size, “I get to go for a run”. The majority of us are very lucky, we get to, a lot can’t, and would love to

End of the day, for me it’s very basic - I’m a better person when I run regularly. My world becomes balanced and my existence becomes simplified, and I like that!

We’re all different. Here’s some other reasons, shared kindly by some good people who are the Total Sport community…;

“Totally get this, monarch butterflies and kingfishers are my fantails. Plus it's amazing how many problems I solve, just randomly, by being physically exhausted and alone - my best ideas come to me when I run.”

“To keep fit.”

“Thank you. For me, trail running reminds me that the world is so much bigger and my problems (whatever they be at that time) are really not that significant. Running lets me breathe; it allows me to forget the craziness of the day and to refocus. I love the solitude and the companionship up there.k”

“I run because I love food and if I didn't I'd be the size of a cottage.”

“The word 'defrag' in the article nailed exactly the feeling I get. First four or five km’s my brain is bouncing around six zillion things at once and my thoughts jump from one thing to another very quickly. After ten km’s I'm getting things clearer and anything after 15 I'm mentally calm and in the zone to plan.”

“Living in a city (Auckland) trail running is like a little escape to nature - even if it's just a short trail through the trees near my home it's nice to not be surrounded by cars, and noise and that sometimes claustrophobic feel of houses, houses everywhere.”

“From a very young age, my children have explained to friends that Mum is solar-powered and lunar-powered: she needs to spend time outdoors. Running makes me a better parent, and a better human being.”

“Because it balances me out. Running requires a regular commitment; and this means I have to balance it, with all the other things in life. This makes me constantly evaluate my life balance, which is good for everything I'm involved with, and it ensures I don't over-focus long-term on one area. And the key reason, it makes me happy; endorphins help with mental well-being.”

“Life doesn't exist without running! When I run I feel like I'm always at peace (except when it’s hurting!), free, alive and an escape from life's worries. Don't think I think anything actually. But I always come back happier.”

“It’s the dog, it’s always the bloody dog!”

“Some of my dumbest ideas come when I run.”

“It's my soul food. It helps me sort the wheat from the chaff of life & gives me back my perspective when I start to lose it. And yes, it's a creative time when my mind is freed of the everyday dross & released to come up with crazy (and even occasionally, sensible) ideas.”

“Why I run.... it helped me change/save my life and keeps my anxiety and mental demons at bay.”

“I just do.”

“Brilliant! The fantail reason brought a tear to my eye. I had a quick think of my own "why's". To simply "feel good" is high up there. But also identity. I'm a trail runner and I love it, and I feel I can achieve great things when I'm out there (even though I don't run that far ;)). There is also such an awesome community of like-minded people out there to connect with, and some absolutely amazing athletes to admire. So for me, Total Sport has nailed it - feel good, identity and community.”

“It makes me happy.”

“All that... and so I can eat cake.”