To Run or Not To Run…
…that is the question, as a health coach, I cannot answer. HA! Is that surprising? My job is to help people reach their own goals. If you are like me and don’t enjoy running we can find ways to meet those goals through other means.
However, barring contradictory advice from a medical professional, I would encourage you to give it a try. Running changes your brain. In addition to an explosion of endorphins, often referred to as the “runner’s high'‘, you get increases in endocannabinoids, serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, all linked to feelings of calm and a reduced sense of anxiety. BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) is a protein that helps repair and grow new brain cells and guards against neurological disease and the good news is the more aerobic activity you do the more of it you produce!
TheGuardian.com put out a story that brain scans show that running and meditation can have a somewhat similar effect on the brain in that they both engage executive function and reduce the buzz of the default mode network. When you are running you are likely present in the moment whether it is pacing your steps, counting your breath, being tuned into where your feet are planting and where you are on the trail. These are similar goals of mindfulness practices. It can be tempting to distract yourself with music on a run. I used to try to zone out until my run was over. Now I try to think of it as a moving meditation and be present for whatever sensations or feelings come up and I try and focus on my surroundings.
Also, pay attention to what I call the secondary benefits of running like being bathed in sunlight, better sleep and improved digestive health. The more subtle benefits you won’t notice are improved bone density, better regulation of blood sugar and improved VO2 max (think better lung function).
The link between physical and mental wellbeing is strongly established and so I would encourage you to start slow. Those who are new to running should start with short distances and focus on gradual increases. Aim for consistency rather than speed or distance. I believe to most fun part of any program is in the beginning, where you steadily track small win after small increase after small goal met and see compounded improvements that motivate more accomplishments! So get out there and see what running has to offer you. If you give it a fair shot and find it is not something you choose to stick with, we can come up with a plan to help you meet your goals through other means. There are many paths to success, and I can help you find what yours looks like.
Get well, stay well.
Jen
