On running

When I was younger, I played so many sports and for a lot of the teams I was on, there was a bit of running during practice. I remember that for a couple of years during high school, I was playing soccer and baseball at the same time in the fall. Our baseball team practiced everyday after school and two of those days were reserved strictly for conditioning. For soccer, we had three practices a week, one of which was only running- we didn't even touch the ball. I hated those days so much. I didn't mind doing the drills for both sports, because they helped me become a better athlete and some were reasonably fun. However, I would dread the days where we would be running a lot.

Going through this routine week after week got me into really great shape- probably the best I've ever been in. My conditioning level was high so I didn't get tired during games, but I think I had this mental block that really affected the way I performed during conditioning practices. For some reason, I didn't think I could keep up, even though I did every time. Being the captain of my soccer team helped me in that I couldn't show any weakness. I just had to suck it up and lead them during the practices. Still, I hated all the running and working out that we did- why couldn't we just play?

I don't think I truly appreciated running until maybe a few years ago. It's possible because I stopped playing organized sports and I was able to control my own run- time, duration, intensity, etc. I would go out for a run, not because I had to, but because I wanted to. It also became less of me trying to stay in shape (although that is one of the reasons I do it) and more of a stress reliever. Running, although it's a strain on the body, can be so relaxing. I feel that my brain is constantly going and doesn't really ever stop, so getting out there and running really allows me clear my head.

I still don't run as much as I want to, or rather, need to- I think it's because I still prefer to get my exercise by playing sports instead. However, I'm glad to have found some joy from an activity I previously detested.