Where exactly is the joy in running?
Before I was a runner I often asked myself where exactly the joy lies in running. You put your body under strain and then try to mentally cope with the onerous situation. Awesome. Sure there’s a split second of glory and relief once you cross that finish line or complete your workout, but that could simply not compensate for such stress. So why was everyone so damn hooked for running?
What I learned over the years is, that the joy of running is to be found in exactly this pain and tension. It’s very unobtrusive and you have to be absolutely at peace and clear with yourself to actually savor it. Also, it’s not the 'Get the party started' kind of joy, but rather some kind of calm quietude and comfort.
Especially if you run longer distances and engage with the reality, that this is what you’re going to do for the next couple of hours, this joy becomes more and more noticeable. It’s a bit like giving up on yourself to find yourself, so to say.
I am glad that I have found the joy in running and once made a promise to myself to never take it for granted.