- A challenge. On my How it all started page, I ran because I said one (slightly) drunken night that I would do a single 5k run.
- The runners high. During training for the 5k, I got a taste of the runners high. That release your mind and body makes to help tell you that actually it feels pretty good doing this running thing.
- Brain reboot. It started to dawn on me after about 16 months that running helped get rid of all the negative thoughts and energy that was building up, whether from work or home (e.g. the kids arguing!). When I returned from a run, all that negativity had been released and I felt more relaxed and much less stressed, even if I didn't think I was when I left. I would always return feeling like a better person. I'm not sure what part adrenaline has to play, but whatever it is, I love it for what it does to me as a personality, not just my body.
- A healthy addiction. It's taken me a long time to understand my own personality. It happens to be slightly addictive. That is, if you set your mind to something, it can be all consuming. This can help at work, because you tend to be the type of employee that can get things done. However, there is another side to the coin that needs regulation. All I can say at this point is, if you consider yourself of this persuasion, or maybe suffer some depression at times, my experience is that if you are going to get addicted to anything, make it running. It will take you in new directions and to some great places.
- A better body. Yes, it can't be ignored, running regularly will give you a better, more healthy body. Of course you can still carry weight if you don't change your diet too. That is one thing I have had to do. Since two years ago, my diet is completely different. One of the reasons is now, at least half of the things I eat are because I believe my body needs those foods to help me be a better runner. Which is a massive shift from pleasing your mind because it tastes good, or maybe comfort eating, to seeing food as fuel for your body.
With that list of benefits.. I'm in for the long haul baby! Sign me up!
