Wait… do people actually like running?
BLOG 2: 22/02/2024
One of the world’s greatest myths, people who enjoy running. HEAR ME OUT.
In lockdown of 2020, like most girlies, I decided that it was the perfect time to have a huge glow up. I was doing my daily Chloe Ting workouts (traumatic), I taught myself how to do the splits and I was going on daily runs. My glow up exercise routine may have become obsessive, but that is an entirely different topic (lol).
I must say, when I went running at sunset with some empowering music it felt good… for about 3 minutes. Unfortunately, thanks to this running era, I can no longer listen to UCLA by RL Grime and 24hrs without getting 16-year-old, size 6, ‘I’m going for a run, and I don’t feel like dinner’ flashbacks.
Oversharing a bit here, but my point is, personally, unless I’m VERY depressed and I am in the mood to physically punish myself, running is just not my vibe. Serious question: does anyone find it enjoyable or are you just addicted to the pain?
Maybe I’ve just created a really bad relationship with running. 4 years on from my running era, I now view the act as a way to escape creepy men in the street or a way to prevent me from missing a tram, rather than a form of exercise.
I want to be a runner; trust me I really do. The idea of prancing through a park with my hair in a snatched high ponytail and a cute outfit sounds like the dream. I think my problem is that when I decide to go running, I end up wearing my dad’s oversized New York Yankees shirt, wire earplugs because I keep forgetting to charge my air pods and these really annoying exercise shorts that give me chafing. Environment and how we present ourselves to the world heavily dictates our mood and our success, which makes me think, yep, maybe I am the problem?
While running is not my cup of tea, I believe exercise is a necessary practice. As I’ve spent more time out of high school, my relationship with exercise has shifted from a way to fit into a size XS shorts to a mindfulness practice. Which has been a nice change, ha! Coming to terms with and unlearning naughty (destructive) exercise habits, has been a necessary step to create a better relationship with myself and my body.
Exercise obviously comes in many forms, once you find something that works for you, make it a regular practice. Exercising outside and exercising consistently has improved my mental health and my self-image tremendously. By creating achievable exercise goals, it becomes an activity that you want to do and even get excited for (I know, crazy thought).
We hear it all the time, but regular exercise makes you feel better about yourself (hot take). Regular exercise has flow on effects to all aspects of your life - creating a strong routine, having a better relationship with your body and improving physical health are just a few.
Dedicating time to exercise, is dedicating time to yourself. It is an act of self-care, it’s a time to check in with yourself, it’s a time to reset and to focus. We live very busy lives and often don’t have the opportunity to reflect or practice mindfulness, which is why I love a hot girl walk. They are the perfect time to be alone and to think and the perfect time to play the scenarios game while moving your body.
Also, exercise pumps up your endorphins, which is awesome. Moving your body increases the production of those ‘feel-good’ neurotransmitters, which must be a good thing! I dropped science in year 10, so I probably can’t articulate the whole endorphins part of exercise very well, but according to my research, apparently more endorphins are released when you exercise, which sounds great.
Exercise is so important, so find something that works for you. If you don’t know where to start, I suggest hot girl walks. Get some powerful music on and strut your stuff! Don’t be afraid to start something new, who knows, maybe a running club could be your thing?
Speaking of, when I was telling my close friend about my deep jealousy for ‘runners’, she suggested that we try Nike Run Club NEXT WEEK. Nike Run Club is a running group combining my two least favourite things 1) running 2) running in a group setting. BUT because I’m in my 20’s now, I’m living with an ‘I’ll try anything once’ mindset. Wish me luck!