A few years ago I commenced running to achieve one of my life goals – complete a half marathon and to stay fit and trim.
What I didn’t realise was all the wonderful benefits that I would receive along the way. Not only was I doing something that was great for my body, but giving myself time out from the daily routine and enjoying getting out into the fresh air. I was also achieving amazing mental clarity.
Running gives you time to think. When out on my own I had a chance to observe and reflect on my life. How could I help my clients who require the best of me. I found myself thinking about each consultation and if there was anything extra I could do to help improve my clients health. Running gives me time to problem solve helping to lighten my load in my head and makes me feel invigorated and refreshed.
Running takes you to different places. I love to run along the foreshore close to my home, every day the scenery changes with the seasons and it is wonderful the watch the sun rise feeling connected with our world. When traveling and running it is amazing what you notice when you are on foot compared to driving.
Running creates new friends. Sometimes I love to run alone and other days I love to run with company. There have been days that my running partner and I have chatted the whole way for 7km and other times we have run alongside each other in comfortable silence. I have chatted to fellow runners as we have waited to start races or out on the course. It seems that runners are a friendly bunch.
Running makes you feel great. The “runners high” is not a myth, exercise releases your happy hormones. These Endorphins are released by your pituitary gland, which is located in the base of your brain and make you feel exhilarated and happy and block any feelings of pain. I love to run in the morning before breakfast and then come home ready for the day ahead. Breakfast always tastes fantastic after a run!
Yes running keeps me fit, but it also give me mental clarity, time to get out and enjoy my surroundings and makes me feel fantastic. Why not try it – you might surprise yourself.
Charmaine Renaud
Owner and lead practitioner
