I have been thinking about why I run a fair amount recently.
I find it difficult both physically and mentally. It helps me lower my blood pressure. It feels great to finish a long run.
I have had to re-learn how to run which has been a great year long project. The process of learning to run has given me a new level of awareness of my body. I am more aware of how parts of my body are related and how the mechanics of running (or more accurately poor mechanics) causes pain.
Going for a long run is a great mental challenge – pain and boredom are interesting enemies.
I have high blood pressure – running is helping me deal with it. It is good for my heart but also helps me deal with stress. If I am feeling stressed out I hop on the treadmill for a half hour and am able to look at what is stressing me, or my reaction to the stressor, from a different perspective.
I have run 30k twice – the joy of crushing a long distance is wonderful.
I have been running 30k-ish per week still. Ideally I would like to get this up to 40-50k until February then increase this to 60-70k.
Amanda and I are going to run 15k today and try to mix in a few trails on our run.
Happy running.