Does Anyone Actually Like Running?

Summer is just around the corner, and it is officially the time of year where I convince myself that I like to jog.

Jogging, or running, is one of the most popular forms of physical exercise, and yet, it is dreaded by thousands. I usually identify with the masses here, because there is truly nothing worse than boring ol' cardio. But, runners, I have to ask - why do you like to run?

I know, it's the "adrenaline," or the "runner's high."

I just went on my fourth jog of the season and I could not feel LESS high. In fact, I kind of wish I could be actually high just so I could relax from this intensive heart murmur I just gave myself. (Just kidding, mom).

So, what's the deal? I guess I can kind of see the appeal when it is sunny outside, and you want a burst of UV exposure on your pale, winter skin. At the very least, I did start my summer burn/tan cycle, so that I stop scaring children with my near porcelain reflection.

There's also the cute little running sets you get to wear from Set Active or Adanola, or the classic tried and true, Alo Yoga. I am an absolute feen for a matching set. (Am I right, ladies?)

Oh, and you cannot forget about the little metabolism boost after the run ends so that you can eat a few extra chips at lunch.

But other than that, jogging, running, whatever you call it, is actually kind of miserable when you're starting out. You get all phlegmy, your knees and ankles ache, and if you went the outdoor route like I did, you get a horrible allergic reaction to the grass. Nerdy, I know.

I guess I just want to understand the reason behind everyone else's jogs. Because, I know why I started, and it's not as cute as everything I just listed above. Yes, it's a seasonal hobby, and it's a warm, summer activity for us Coloradans, but I started picking up running because as corny as it sounds, I am "running" away from my problems.

Is everyone just using jogging as an outlet to escape their own mind? Or, do people actually find running euphoric? Or, is a "running high" just a facade that people convince themselves feels better than actually dealing with your issues head on?

Maybe it all starts out as a gateway - a way to take away your mental stress, but then, it turns into this magical brain vacation? Can anyone please confirm, and if so, when do I get to that part? And also, why do I feel like I am describing crack?

I swear, as much as I mentioned drugs in this blog, I am not taking recreational drugs - I am just running. Or, attempting to run.

Maybe it takes more than 4 times to find my own "runner's high," or maybe there are just "running people" and "non-running people." Either way, starting a new hobby/finding a new activity definitely took my mind off of the mental strain that I have been experiencing lately. Whether or not running is your thing, I think it's safe to say that we all could use a "brain vacation" filled with euphoria once in awhile, and I think that's okay. We should normalize talking about our struggles, and what we are doing to stay sane in this crazy world that we navigate everyday. It's impossible to not want to escape sometimes - you're lucky I just stuck with picking up jogging instead of finding a new life on a deserted island outside of Hawaii.

Whatever the reason, I want to hear your running story and why you started, why you kept going, and why you are a runner.

And, as always, SAY NO TO DRUGS.