Does running make you a better person?

Chat with a long-distance runner for a bit, and they'll rave about how running has turned their life upside down in the best way possible. They'll gush about the physical perks and the countless benefits. If you pop the question, "Are you a better person because of running?" they'd likely nod vigorously and say yes. And they'd probably be spot on. But why, you ask? It's just running, right? You know, the art of flinging one foot in front of the other while turning into a sweaty mess.

In the coming weeks, let's work on solving this mystery here.

It's Tough.

Researchers have discovered that when a task feels like climbing Mount Everest without a sherpa, it tends to be more satisfying than tasks that are as easy as pie. This is thanks to dopamine, the brain's way of giving you a high-five, which prefers to take its time and avoid turning you into a dopamine junkie when you're tackling tough stuff. 

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Some scientists say that effort is like the secret sauce that makes a task more valuable. The thrill of conquering a mountainous challenge is way more satisfying than simply breezing through something simple. Think about it: sacrificing your cozy duvet for a soggy morning jog might sound like a nightmare, but once you're back home, you'll feel like a superhero, ready to take on the world with a grin plastered on your face all day long.

Resilience.

Experts claim that resilient folks are like human rubber balls—they bounce back from stress like it's nobody's business. But resilience isn't just about surviving life's curveballs; it's a toolkit of psychological superpowers that help you navigate life's obstacle course without losing your cool. Resilient people are basically emotional ninjas, fully aware of their feelings and reactions when life throws lemons at them. Instead of drowning in lemon juice, they whip up a problem-solving lemonade stand.

Moreover, these resilient champs have a sunny-side-up view of life, treating setbacks like stepping stones to greatness rather than giant boulders blocking their way. This glass-half-full attitude helps them learn from their trials and come up with new strategies for future battles. In a nutshell, resilience is like a secret recipe that blends personal quirks, social support, and learned tricks to help you bounce back from stress and emerge stronger than ever.

Why Running Teaches You Resilience

Running isn't just about moving your legs; it's a life lesson in disguise that builds your resilience muscles. Each step you take, especially over long distances, is like a mini boot camp for tackling life's hurdles with grit and determination. As we lace up our sneakers and pound the pavement, we're unknowingly signing up for a mind-body boot camp that leaves us stronger and more resilient than ever.

The Mental Marathon of Running

Running is like a never-ending episode of a mental soap opera. The plot thickens when fatigue, discomfort, or the weather decides to throw a tantrum. Your mind and body engage in a dramatic showdown: the mind says, “Keep going!” while the body screams, “Couch, now!” This epic internal battle turns runners into mental gladiators, ready to tackle life’s curveballs with the resilience of a rubber band. Every mile conquered is a badge of honour, proving that even the most Herculean tasks can be tackled with enough stubbornness.

Chasing Goals Like a Dog Chases Its Tail

Running is all about setting goals as ambitious as trying to teach a cat to fetch. Whether it’s clocking a certain distance, shaving off seconds from your pace, or gearing up for a race, the road to success is as twisty as a pretzel. Expect detours like injuries or weather as cooperative as a toddler at bedtime. But each step toward these goals is like finding a hidden treasure chest of accomplishment. Every little victory is a building block in the fortress of resilience, teaching runners to leap over obstacles like a caffeinated kangaroo.

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Getting Fit and Bouncing Back

Beyond the mental gymnastics, running offers physical perks that make you as resilient as a superhero in spandex. It boosts your heart health, pumps up those muscles, and transforms you into a fitness dynamo. A body that’s in top shape can handle stress like a pro and bounce back from setbacks faster than you can say “ouch!” This physical resilience aligns with mental toughness, creating an unstoppable force that tackles life’s hurdles with the grace of a gazelle on roller skates.

In conclusion, running is like a stubbornly persistent friend who insists on teaching you resilience, whether you like it or not! From the mental gymnastics you perform to convince yourself to keep going, to setting goals that make you question your sanity, running is a full-on resilience boot camp. Throw in a community of fellow runners who cheer you on even when you look like a sweaty tomato, and you've got a recipe for a rock-solid mindset. So, as you lace up those sneakers and hit the pavement, remember: you're not just training your body; you're building a mental fortress that can withstand life's curveballs. Running teaches you resilience isn't just about surviving; it's about bouncing back, doing a victory dance, and thriving despite the odds!

Next up from the hobby that keeps is the elusive ( or for most of us it is) the art of patience....