Running, What is it Good For? Absolutely Everything

One of my goals this year is to whip my mashed potato body into shape, forming it into something that resembles a human being. I’ve never really consistently worked out and I love food, a recipe for a perfect mashed potato body.

One of the major problems I’ve always had with working out is feeling like I have to stare soullessly into a void, counting the minutes I’ve sold to the machine I’m currently using, minutes I could have used doing something I enjoy. I thought this was the only way fitness could be achieved, and weighing the pros and cons, I found it wasn’t really worth it to me. Then I found running. Running outside.

Running on a treadmill is hell on Earth. If I could envision my perfect hell, it would be me on a treadmill listening to the soundtrack of someone talking with their mouth full, while simultaneously being way too hot, perhaps smelling someones onion scented body odor. Running outside is like heaven (if it’s not too hot mind you). There are so many amazing things to see and smell if you pay close attention. Nature is filled with the most beautiful plants and creatures, even in the smallest or most unexpected of places.

Over the last few weeks running on our local trail, I’ve seen giant desert hares leaping and bounding through their natural habitat. Families of quail crossing the running trail in a perfect line, in search of whatever the hell quails look for in life. Dozens of ground squirrels popping in and out of the tunnels they’ve burrowed. I’ve smelled wildflowers and blossoming trees blooming for the first time this season. The floral smell reminds me so much of the soap or perfume my grandmother uses, which makes me the perfect combination of happy and sad, because I miss her weirdness and need to visit soon. I’ve heard things through my headphones that I thought were snakes, that motivated me to run faster (and I quickly realized were not snakes). I’ve also discovered new music that I definitely want to give a try (through Spotify’s Recommended For You running playlist) which is rare for me.

I’ve seen or experienced all these things while simultaneously improving my physical condition (negligibly). I’ve finally found a trade off that’s worth it to me (even though I look like a combination of Quasimodo and Napoleon Dynamite when I run).

*Bonus, I also discovered (though many moons ago) BBG and restarted that program. I love it because I can do it indoors or outdoors, and it requires no machines. It also is the hardest workout I’ve ever tried and been willing to complete, and requires me to run multiple times a week. You should check it out! There’s a great community of hardcode BBG fans on Instagram, and an app for the Apple appstore that I haven’t tried because I’m an Android girl.

What’s your favorite way to workout? (I won’t judge you if you enjoy the void)