How running makes me feel

You’re at one of your best friend’s wedding in the hills in Spain and you’re feeling a little bit ropey so what do you do… run. Seriously, there’s nothing like it to perk you up, refocus your mind and help contain the excitement that you’ll be leading a person you love down the aisle in a few hours’ time. That’s just one of the reasons why I love to run. Here are some of the others…

It focuses my mind

It’s become a ritual for me to wake up and head outside to clear my mind while I run. Sometimes I just enjoy the moment. Sometimes I think about what is happening in the future, or plan what I want out of that particular day. My run time is a moment when I can focus and gather my thoughts without distraction.

I get closer to nature

I’m a huge fan of escaping the city and immersing myself in the many trails that the UK has to offer. It really is a wonderful feeling, running through fields, up and down muddy tracks and being able to experience breath-taking views on two legs. Yes, I could cycle, but I just love to run and spot all the small details that would otherwise be missed.

I discover new places of interest

You know the wedding I was talking about. Well, I got myself into a routine of running up the track to a windy main road. Everyday I’d run just a little bit further discovering something new every time. I found a chapel situated high on the hill with the most amazing views of a lake. When I visit a new city, I’ll always have a pair of running shoes with me. It means I can get up before the city does and have a scout around. I can try and find my bearings and explore areas off the beaten track.

I experience changes in the landscape

Oh to be in England… We may complain about the weather but when you follow the same route almost daily, you can’t help but notice when the seasons change. And there’s something quite reassuring about the leaves falling off the trees, or how the skyline across London from the heath has changed over time. Just something that my running rituals and routes allows me to experience. I can escape from the hubbub of the city and just for split second feel on top of the world.

I love the rush of a race

There’s nothing like a good race to get the adrenaline pumping. And you know it’s a completely different mindset to training. For that 10K, half marathon, marathon or more, you want to run as well as you can, beat the boys, stay ahead of the pack. Yes, it appeals to my competitive spirit and even if I come over the line wanting to puke my guts up, I feel completely wired with energy. I love running and racing equally, but for completely different reasons.

It makes me feel fit and at one with myself

Without a doubt I experience a buzz when I run. Your heart’s pumping, your legs are going and you’re in tune with your body. It’s both physical and psychological – I feel on top of the world after pushing through a few miles. There really is nothing like it to get my body warm and feeling good about itself. And when I feel strong in body, I feel strong in mind. Whatever is happening in my life at home or at work, a run will somehow calm me down and make me appreciate how strong and adaptable we can be as humans.