Why do I run?

In 2016, I landed upon Casey Neistat’s channel on YouTube, and just after watching a few of his vlogs, he became my favourite YouTuber. Watching him run every day motivated me to try running myself.

At the start, running felt like an immense struggle when I could hardly run 1-2 km without stopping and gasping for breath. As it is with any new pursuits, you have to start slow and be consistent. And slowly the endurance started to build up, and I got motivated to chase bigger milestones. First with 2k, then 5k, then 10k, then 15k, and then 21k, the desire to chase longer distances and faster pace kept on growing. In running, there is something called a ‘Runner's High’, a feeling of euphoria and calm, a state of flow when you feel you can run for miles even when your body and lungs are struggling to keep up with each step. I think it’s the realisation that you are a lot stronger than you ever thought you could be that makes you feel that way. And I can assure you this high is far more pleasing and exciting than any other substance will ever give you.  

Also, running as a sport has one of the lowest barriers to entry. All you need is a pair of shoes and off you go. Each one of us is a runner in our own way; it doesn’t matter if you can run a few meters or 100 km. You are competing with yourself, and your only focus is to outdo yourself. So go outdoors and try it out, and I am sure it will change you for the better, as it did to me.