When Japanese writer Haruki Murakami decided to devote his life to writing, he began running in order to keep himself fit. His memoir What I Talk About When I Talk About Running is a detailed account of his preparation for the 2005 New York City Marathon. In it, he writes a passage highlighting the reasons many take up running: “People sometimes sneer at those who run every day, claiming they’ll go to any length to live longer. But I don’t think that’s the reason most people run. Most runners run not because they want to live longer, but because they want to live life to the fullest. If you’re going to while away the years, it’s far better to live them with clear goals and fully alive than in a fog, and I believe running helps you do that. Exerting yourself to the fullest within your individual limits: that’s the essence of running, and a metaphor for life–and for me, for writing as well. I believe many runners would agree.”
Murakami is right. In fact, living life to the fullest is a mantra most of us swear by. Running helps us with this. It is not very surprising given that man has been a runner since his caveman days. The early man is known to have developed a technique called persistence hunting. It is a strategy where the hunter–who is relatively slower than the prey–chases the prey by walking and running until the prey is exhausted, before going for the kill. Eventually, this technique became an inherent life skill.
Today, the scenario is different; we don’t live in a time where we chase prey for food. But running continues to be an integral part of our lives. For many of us, running is a daily activity that helps maintain our general wellbeing.
Many avid runners experience a sense of euphoria when they push themselves to the point of collapse. Scientific studies have found that this happens due to the release of endorphins in the brain. A study suggests endorphins are responsible for creating the relaxed psychological state known as ‘runner’s high’.
No wonder many runners experience a sense of elation upon completing their run. Bangalore-based athlete Reeth Abraham can relate to this well. She says, “Running, especially in the morning, makes you feel energetic throughout the day. It’s a high that is better experienced than described.”
As much as running can make an individual more goal-oriented, it can also teach one to savour the present moment. For instance, sprinting across a park can help one let go of worries and just focus on each step.
Running helps individuals set clear goals, live fully, and embrace a sense of purpose and vitality.
Many avid runners experience a sense of euphoria, known as “runner’s high,” when pushing themselves to the point of exhaustion. Scientific studies attribute this to the release of endorphins in the brain, creating a relaxed psychological state.
Regular running has been shown to slow the effects of aging, promote a longer span of active life, and improve mental health. It can be a beneficial strategy for managing depression and cultivating a calm, stress-free mind.
Running not only boosts the immune system, it aligns the body, mind, and spirit, bringing a sense of balance, purpose, and transformation.
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