“For me, “the high'' is an escape from the material world. For instance, when I’m running a difficult workout, the last thing I’m thinking about is the physics test or math homework I have later that night. I believe that when people separate themselves from the go go go of everyday life via this “high,” it can help release them from a sense of urgency. This helps me relieve stress built up from the day or week.
I run because I love the idea of pushing myself to my physical and mental limits. I believe that it is the most copacetic feeling to go home and relax knowing that you could not have gone any harder in a workout. This is why running is the most rewarding sport. I also love the running community because although it is not massive it is tight‑knit.”
- Camden Law
“The experience of running is beautiful. While this feeling is still a precious and ever so present facet, it’s also important to mention that the pandemic was hard for me personally. Really hard. I lost one of my close friends. Past traumas and the transience of growth in my life were made heavily apparent. And on top of all that, we spent so much time alone during the pandemic that isolation became a common feeling.
However, I was running up to 70 miles a week during the hardest of these times. The high I’d get from an hour long run would translate into the strength to clear my mind in the midst of chaos.
So, I feel lots of folks empathize with this perspective — maybe not in the amount of miles, but the sense of relief that comes from them. Whereas the past two running booms were concerned with performance, and then health, I think what we are experiencing now may be the running boom for our mental health.“
- Ellis Newton
“I spent a good 13 years running almost everyday, and then about 4 years ago I stopped running regularly. Throughout the pandemic, I noticed how crappy I felt because I wasn’t getting enough exercise. So I started to run a bit and honestly it’s made me appreciate running again. When you do something non-stop for so long it’s easy to fall out of love with it, but now that there is no obligation, and I’m just doing it because I want to, it makes me appreciate the time I spend out on the road or track or trails a lot more.
If I’m having a bad day or am feeling stressed or overwhelmed, I can go for a run and it helps to clear my head, it helps me find my equilibrium. I’ve noticed as I walk down the hall to my apartment after a run I’m much happier and more carefree, for at least a moment.”
- Aric Van Halen
