Engdahl_Journal1

 I chose this journal because it I enjoyed writing it. Running is a big part of my life, and I feel very strongly about it. To most people running isn't a big deal, but to runners it's a way of life. I hate it, but there's no way I'm stopping

=Drug Addict = In a way, one could say I’m addicted to drugs. That’s what we runners are out there for. Why else would we go out there every day and go through what we do? It’s a rush like nothing else when the gun goes off before a race. My body floods with adrenaline as my legs explode with energy. Three miles of agony, and I only get a little adrenaline and a few endorphins. Funny what people will do for a little bit of a chemical reward. Running starts out a lot like a drug addiction. Just like the first taste of a drug, my run was the most unpleasant thing I ever did. The day after I ran, things I didn’t know I had ached, and stairs made me want to cry. Slowly, I built a tolerance and begin to crave it. Once I was hooked, I couldn’t go back.

There is only one downside to running, the pain. It will devastate your body and cause you grief even when you’re not running. Everyone knows the agony of running, but only a few of us know the toll it takes afterward. Everyone’s body can handle a mile, but as you start running more and more your body starts to fail. Ask any runner how they feel and they’ll tell you their one nagging injury. They’ll tell you about the ankle they sprained, or the knee that just started hurting out of nowhere, or their hip that’s been acting up. I’ve read that running is good for your joints, but I don’t believe it. A few minutes ago I had to pop my hip back into the right spot. That can’t be good.

If you can stand the pain, there are hundreds of reasons to start running. I think most people do it because it feels good. In addition to the chemical feelings of euphoria there is an intense feeling of pride. Few people run, and knowing you’re a part of that elite group that can do what few others can is a fantastic feeling. Along with the pride is also self confidence. I have watched and felt my body transform from a typical underused human body to almost like that of an animal. My legs are completely muscle and you can watch the muscles tense under the skin when I run. My hip bones protrude from both sides, yet I am far from starving. I eat all day everyday and still manage to lose weight. Running is also great for your mind. It helps me sleep and release anger. Last summer I got upset and ran 7 miles to get it all out. I am relaxed all the time and have a very easy time sleeping.

The word addiction has such a negative connotation that I wouldn’t ever describe running as an addiction, but that’s really what it is. It takes up my time and energy, yet no matter what I do I can’t stop. It gradually snuck up and trapped me. I’ll probably be running until the day I die.