Monday, June 8, 2009

The Joy of the Long Run


 

“If all my patients exercised, I wouldn’t have a practice,” a local psychiatrist said to a friend of mine years ago.

While I am not a psychiatrist, I do know that running--especially long runs--make me feel great!

Here’s how:

  1. 1. About three or four miles in, I begin to relax into a fantastic rhythm--a gorgeous, synchronous blending of my heartbeat and stride.

  2. 2.Long runs give me amazing solitude--a great chance to unwind, de-stress, problem solve, and think.

  3. 3.Long runs give me a sense of pride and accomplishment.

  4. 4.Long runs help me feel confident that I’m doing something really great for my body, and I know that my body thanks me.

  5. 5.As I’m breathing rhythmically and deeply, I feel like I’m getting in touch with the life force of the universe.

  6. 6.By mile four or so, I relax into a clear, calm, focused meditative state.

  7. 7.Long runs give me the chance to see areas of my beautiful town I normally experience only in a car.

  8. 8.The grainy, salty residue left on my skin after a long run is physical evidence that I’ve done something hard.

  9. 9. My body responds to what I ask it to do, if I’m gentle with it and give it time to adapt.

  10. 10. It makes me happy!

What makes you happy?  



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1 comment:

  1. UnknownJune 9, 2009 at 9:39 AM

    That sounds wonderful! I'm definitely going to try running when my ankle is fully healed. In the meantime, I get many of those happiness benefits from a long walk in the park or a 90 minute yoga class. Thanks for the inspiration!

    ReplyDelete

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Lincoln, NE
Kristin Heslop, DMA, has gained and lost over a thousand pounds throughout her life. A musician by trade and training, Dr. Heslop attended Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska. She holds a Master of Music degree from Wichita State University, and a doctorate from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Dr. Heslop has taught at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Concordia University, Union College, Wichita State University, and Enterprise Academy. She has performed on the flute, piano, harpsichord, and organ throughout the Midwest. In addition to music she derives great pleasure from political and environmental activism, creating visual art, and hearing her cat Lukas purr.