There are very many reasons why people do morning runs especially for us recreational runners who don’t rely on monetary gains to get the needed motivation. There are also the obvious ones that I may or may not delve so much into including the health and fitness aspect, the longevity and boost in concentration.
Chief among these reasons for me is Mind Control. Personally, I feel this is the strongest psychological boost I get when I run. As humans, our bodies are naturally inclined to comfort. If given a choice, our bodies (pushed on by our minds) would rather be lying on a beach somewhere In the Kenyan Coast or even in the breath taking scenery in Miami. I don’t know much about you people but my body never wants to move alot! My mind is always looking for ways to avoid discomfort. So, everyday when I wake up to go running, this is a major boost for me in my very challenging journey to dominate my mind. From the moment I decided I’ll be doing a run the night before, I automatically enter into a war zone with my mind which begins elaborating reasons why I shouldn’t. And when It decides to give excuses, my mind can be very convincing.
We are currently experiencing very cold weather in Nairobi and many of us are forced to sleep in somewhat heavy clothing which provides the necessary warmth we need for the night. Getting out of bed early in the morning can ba a herculean task considering all the effort made to produce and generate heat that we want to enjoy until we are forced to wake up.
When I finally overcome that, there are still many other factors I need to overcome including the sleep eyes I normally have and the energy to start my preparations. At this point, I’m very busy countering my mind with the numerous reasons why I should run. At this stage though, I am halfway triumphant since for me, getting out of bed is like 50pc of the whole challenge.
This is why when I finally start the run, I mostly encounter several people doing the same and some are just walking all in the name of exercise. Which is ok. Everyone does what they feel is good for them. I make an effort it greet them as we pass each other and sometimes utter some encouraging words just to pushed them on. I do so because I respect the fact that they were able to get out of bed and just do some exercise to invest in their health and physical well-being. After waking up, there is the distance that I project to run which is mostly between 10and 20k depending on my mood that day. Sometimes I might do a longer distance depending on how my body is responding. It s always very satisfying to challenge your body to do more and it obeys; that’s power of the mind.
Every runner (or at least most of them) will tell you that the first 5k are the most difficult to do. The body is still on rest mode and is struggling to remain there while your mind wants it to adjust as soon as possible. This is actually the point where, some pain in sone particular part of the body will emerge and try to convince you to stop. It’s advisable to start slowest as you body tries to adjust to its current state. After like the first 3km, the body is now adjusting very well and you can actually feel your stride is in place as your body is now begin to be aware of your current state and has accepted it.
After 5k, the body now feels great. At this point you have a steady speed and feel very energetic as you move. This will continue until you reach ‘the runner’s high’ which is basically a point where your body is at its optimum and you can run to wherever you can as long as the mind tells you. It’s a great feeling.
Running has helped me so much in terms of mind control and I must admit that even in other aspects of life, it has become key. I mostly tell myself that If I can concentrate on running for a whole 2 hours, what would stop me from concentrating for 2 hours while reading a book? Or while working, or even while walking!? The changes in concentration patterns are so great that I feel my body can persevere in many somehow unpleasant experiences against it. Running for an hour plus is pain. It can be a real struggle; which means that it can give you leverage when handling pain; especially physical or psychological pain. This, to me is the biggest reward I recieve from running and it basically what motivates me to run more. I might get super tired when I finish, or sometimes do a much slower speed but the fact that I was able to challenge and control my mind in that period of time, that brings me joy. I have been able to apply the same in my quest to stop consuming processed/ added sugar, eating only when it’s necessary and not necessarily having to eat every meal, In my quest to become a reader and read as many books as possible and many other life-changing bits of my life.
It’s important to note also that running becomes better with strength and flexibility training. It is important to replenish and build your muscles as to run since this activities takes a lot from you physically. Strength training will also help in preventing injuries as your body becomes accustomed to Full range of motion movements that aid joint health. I have written a book on guiding people into exercising which is applicable to people of all ages. Follow the link, download it and let me know what you think.
Remember, the quest to at least have some control over your mind is a key to a very powerful life. It is be life changing and can open major doors for you only if you create and find habits that can facilitate the same. It can also help in getting rid of bad and unwanted habits you might be having.Don’t just live life, live a powerful life!