Two weeks ago, I was asked on twitter “how to get the runners high”. I’m no expert on running, but I have been posting on here since I started running with a group back in March/April. So I’ll do my best to answer it here.
At first I laughed and was like — oh god I hate running while I’m doing it most times. It feels SO good when you’re done. My friend asked me “when does it stop being so hard?” and I’m not sure that it does, really. Then again, some people are born natural runners, like my boyfriend for instance. He picked up running and is now training for his third Ironman (which is a marathon after the swim and bike!) I’m here struggling to convince myself to sign up for a 10k run.
But when I honestly stopped to think about it. I definitely experienced a runner’s high the most when I was in a “Learn to Run” running club at my gym. I always had a set schedule as to when I was going to run in a week. Whether or not I showed up to those three classes a week was a different story. But having the group of people to talk and laugh with, definitely made me want to keep going back and enjoy the running.
We stopped running together as a group, shortly after our first 5k race together in June. Running hasn’t been the same since! Different schedules and not having the same day to run with your friends and weeks go by and you haven’t seen anyone! It’s a bit sad because I do miss that group atmosphere and I definitely miss the friends that I have made while on that learn to run 5k journey.
I suggest that you find yourself a group and just join one, even if you don’t know anyone. I mean, that’s what I did and I met some fabulous people along the way who are now just really great friends of mine! Love you D & T!!! YAYY!!
I have said in the past. Running is all mental. Just try not to psych yourself out like I do and have breathing problems which are really non-existent.
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Quoted from me on June 16:
Also? The people who tell me that they cannot run, just haven’t found their running partner yet. I found running so incredibly boring without music, and even then I couldn’t run for that far. You need a running buddy and I definitely found one. She runs at the same pace as me, and we both motivate each other. She finds it difficult to start running at the beginning so I’m all “You can do this! It’s all mental. We’ve practiced for this!†and then towards kilometer #3, I’m all wheezy and swearing under my breath cursing the damn runs, and she’s back at it with the “C’mon we can see the finish line“. It’s all motivation! I don’t like stopping at the beginning, so I’m convincing her to give’r, and she wants to finish strong where as I want to walk and puke —but we don’t let each other stop.
Do you get a runners high?
1 Comment
I don’t have a running partner. My husband will occasionally join me on my shorter 2 mile runs. Other than that, it’s all me. Training for both of my half marathons and all the long runs that were part of that were solo. I only occasionally run with music or an audio book; I usually like to be aware of my surroundings and be able to hear when other runners or bikers are about to pass me, or to hear traffic, etc. Some up beat music can be really motivating though if you are having a hard time getting out the door. Having a training plan helps too, because it’s that extra nudge to get out the door; something to be accountable to.
I didn’t think that I got a runner’s high, however I clearly get restless and a little grumpy if it’s been more than 2-3 days since I’ve last run. I am at a point where running is not painfully boring and I do enjoy it. Running gives me time to clear my mind and think about what I need to do (I try not to think about work!), and I guess that time to think about whatever I want and enjoy some nice scenery is the ‘high’ that I get.