Very few things are more invigorating and more enjoyable than a long-distance run.
Even though I may be nothing more than a running enthusiast, rather than a running competitor, when skies are clear or gray, whether it is raining or snowing, it is wonderful to lace up my sneakers, tie them tight — though not too tight — grab a pair of shorts, perhaps bring a windbreaker if it’s a bit chilly, and then take off.
And though I may burn many calories and I may reach high speeds, running actually serves a more pertinent, necessary purpose. Long-distance running, particularly when I am alone, is my preferred way of combating and relieving feelings of isolation and alienation. It serves as a therapeutic way of meeting those unpleasant feelings head-on.
As students, many of us spend a substantial amount of time alone, isolated and separate from others. Many activities require work that can only be accomplished by yourself, since more often than not, working with or near others can be both distracting and counterproductive to completing the task at hand.
Moreover, today, people spend hours upon hours with their eyes locked to a computer screen, often alone and rarely interacting with other human beings in a meaningful way. Taken as a whole, one might feel plagued with isolation, often contributing to a feeling of estrangement from others.
A run by yourself grants alienated solace, which combats such feelings. And during such a restorative journey, the runner can meditatively embrace alone time, rather than falling victim to it.
During those epic ascents and revitalizing descents, leaps and dashes of joy over marsh or swamp, and during those final sprints to the finish past a familiar road sign, there is a temporary feeling of liberation. By focusing attention on breathing, pace, running mechanics and form, it’s possible to center energy on something other than personal detriments and clear up some mental blockage.
Subsequently, the runner may effectively channel such mental blockages, proceed to understand why he or she felt so unpleasant and begin to adequately contemplate such feelings.
Additionally, as the runner proceeds through various landscape changes, happening upon plants and wildlife, he or she gains some perspective on just how expansive, complex and heterogeneous this world is. The runner is amazed at seeing birds above, deer aside and the feeling of visceral, sweat-drenched life all around.
Once the runner has completed his task, the full running experience culminates with a certain feeling of euphoria, a sensational feeling of ecstasy, one which could only be called a “runner’s high.” The runner is now content, and may return to the environment that had previously plagued him or her.
The runner is temporarily relieved from isolation and his or her whole mood has improved. With sneakers and sweat, that beast has been temporarily slain.