1. Because somehow exhausting myself is the most relaxing part my day


I've got two mugs with this on, one at home and one at work. Both were given to me as presents by people who know me well. I find it quite hard to explain why I run (hence me starting this blog) or to describe what happens to me while I'm running. But the caption on the mugs sums up pretty well part of what I thinks going on: "I run because, somehow, exhausting myself is the most relaxing part of my day".

I really like the use of the word "somehow" here. Though the  statement provides a degree of explanation, it also allows for an element of mystery. And for me, there's certainly a lot that is deeply mysterious about running. I don't quite understand how pushing myself physically can feel so deeply restorative mentally, emotionally and spiritually, and yet it often does.  I don't quite understand how on some days a slow 4 mile run can feel like a Herculean effort, while on other days a much longer or faster run can feel like a walk in the park. And I don't quite understand how I can be so tired, fed up or frustrated at one moment on any given run, and then so contented or elated the next. Yes I know there are scientific explanations that can help us better understand the effects of  physical activity on the brain. But for me, there's also an important element of mystery.

There are all manner of different reasons why I run. Some of these I think I understand, while others I clearly don't. I'll be using this blog to reflect more on all this. But for now, to say that I run because (somehow) exhausting myself is often the most relaxing part of my day seems a good enough place to start.

(This is the first in a series of blog posts I'm writing in the build-up to my 126-mile Great North running challenge. You can find out more and sponsor me here: www.uk.virginmoneygiving.com/AndyWier )

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