Anyone who knows me will be shocked it took three whole columns before I brought up running. It’s true, my primary hobbies include schoolwork, running and the occasional Netflix binge — but “Ode to Criminal Minds” didn’t sound as nice on paper, so here I am.
On a more serious note, it’s about time someone discredited a few of the common myths associated with running. If I had a nickel for every time someone told me “I can’t run” or “I’m not a runner, I’d die…” I would buy all of you non-runners nice new pairs of sneakers, and I would still have change to spare.
Myth: running is hard
I actually don’t want to completely discredit this one, but I do intend to modify it. Running can be hard — most things in life worth your time can be hard. That doesn’t mean you should avoid them completely.
Running can also be easy. Running can be a leisurely two-mile jog with a friend while you discuss drama from last weekend and the class work you should be doing. Running can be a jog to the downtown mall, ending at the crepe shop, and walking back.
Sometimes a challenging workout, complete with satisfyingly sore muscles and sweat, leaves me refreshed and energized. Other times, a slow run with a friend is perfect for a quick mood boost.
The priority, in my opinion, should be to enjoy running in whatever form you decide to take part in. Everything else will follow.
Myth: running is boring
This one actually makes me angry. Like anything else, there are good runs and bad runs. But running is only eternally boring when you insistently stare at your watch, or the time on the treadmill, thinking, “How much longer? This sucks.”
When you aren’t determined to be miserable, running can be relaxing and therapeutic. It can be a way to escape everyone or everything and completely lose yourself in blissful, mindless exertion.
Haven’t you heard of Runner’s High? That elusive, wonderful trance — it encases you in fine tendrils of warmth and giddiness until the world is enchanting, and you feel powerful and fearless and grateful to be alive.
This exists — I promise. Get ready to hear something nerdy: when you run, you release opiates in the form of beta-endorphins. These opiates reduce depression, increase your motivation and induce feelings of euphoria most people think runners only invent to justify their obsession.
These opiates, unfortunately, will not be released in the first 30 seconds of your run. But here’s some good news: people who don’t run often reach the runner’s high fastest because their bodies aren’t accustomed to that stimulation.
So, you will not die from running. Actually, you would probably feel more alive than you ever imagined.
Myth: running short distances at a slow pace doesn’t count
I cannot impress enough how false this is. That’s the great thing about running — competition only exists if you create it. If you want to run a single 12-minute mile and call it a day, do it. You are no less of a runner.
To me, running is completely personal. Sometimes I run to work out, and other times I run to clear my head. I run when I feel depressed, and turn on angry music to release angst. I run when I feel happy and every step puts me on top of the world. I run with friends to socialize, and it’s amazing how miles can build relationships with people you otherwise may not know.
Some of you are probably rolling your eyes by now. The sport isn’t for everyone. I don’t expect to see the entire University out jogging tomorrow morning.
But, from my point of view, running helped me survive some of the worst days of my life. I’ve made tough life decisions, come to important realizations and sweat out frustration with each pounding step across the pavement. I’ve explored, gotten lost and found new destinations. I’ve challenged my preconceived limitations and developed a sense of confidence I’ve yet to find anywhere else in life.
I want this for everyone. If not through running, I hope you find this pure cathartic bliss in another way. When you do, you will realize there’s nothing quite so powerful, so beautiful, as your own runner’s high.
Alyssa’s column runs biweekly Thursdays. She can be reached at a.passarelli@cavalierdaily.com.
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