Running in Joy

Joseph Lofthouse wrote:

It only took me a few runs to determine that there is an even better way for me: "Running in Joy". What I mean by that, is that I run as long as it is joyful to me. And the second that it stops being joyful, then I stop running and walk for a while. Then, in a little bit, when I feel joyful about running I run for a while again. By adopting the strategy of running in joy, every stride I ever take while running will be done in joy. If running is always a joyful activity for me, I'm likely to continue doing it. By making my runs about the joy of running, I'm paying closer attention to my gait, posture, breathing, etc. The physical motions of running became easier when I got rid of the timer. My workouts end up being more intense, even though I can't graph the intensity on a chart. So for me, the most ergonomic method of running has ended up being "Running in Joy".

I love this! Not that I’m a runner, but because I share the same philosophy about life in general. We ought to be doing whatever brings us joy, because it brings us joy. When we dont find what we’re doing joyful, its time to stop or do something else!

I’m not saying I live this way, because I do things all the time that I dont find joyful... but they feel so wrong and make me doubt my sanity. Joy doesn’t have that effect! I think society would be a better place if more people had the attitude that Joseph has about running.

🤲

I used to have zero joy in running, since my form was so bad I would get lots of pain. I highly recommend Chi Running as a form, since it works with your body's design.

I took up running again last year after a long period, including recovering from a pelvic injury during pregnancy (which took several years).  I listen to my body and don't push it, as it is still meant to be fun!  I'm happy to think of myself as a runner again:  I can run the same paths at our country park (albeit a bit more slowly) and remember my old running buddy (Beauty the dog) and how much fun we had together.