A friend recently told me she hates running, despite doing it for decades, and I had to admit I was surprised. So why do it then? I realize there are so many awesome reasons to run – wanting to look good naked, being able to eat voraciously, imbibing in alcohol without packing on pounds are all popular reasons. But if you don’t enjoy running, you will be less likely to stick with it and also will be missing out on plenty of divine experiences.

Yeah I said it – divine. Running is such an integral part of humankind’s natural makeup that we really can say we’re born to run. And with that amazing ability, we can run for miles, carried along just by our two feet. And just following this natural movement carries countless health benefits – from a stronger immune system to more muscle and bone mass to less excess fat tissue and a healthier heart. Running can make us live longer and look better.

But the physical benefits are just one side of the coin. The mental benefits of running are the bright and shining other side. Imagine if one simple thing could make you feel better on the saddest of days, the most desperate of times or at the angriest moments. And it is something free and easy to do. Just one simple, natural act, of putting one foot in front of (or technically adjacent to) the other can make you feel calmer, stronger, more in control of your life, less stressed, less worried, less down. And you may even feel euphoric, like you can conquer the world. Or that assignment at work, or the person that’s been bugging you lately. Continue reading “Making The Most of Movement: Enjoying Your Runs” »