3 Reasons why we run...

and how others view it....

Photo by Tara Glaser on Unsplash

Why do YOU run? Our family physician asked me this question when I went to him for a long overdue check up.
I was foxed by the sudden question and it took me a few moments before I replied “Because I like it “ .I wonder if he understood what it meant :) I was sure he was of the opinion “why run when walking is good enough” especially since I am now touching 70.
But, on a more serious note, is ‘Running’ understood or accepted by the lay public (including doctors) as a sport?

Why do we run? 3 Reasons
1) For fun, for the joy of running, feeling good and having similar emotions. Often, it just clears our mind.
2) For exercising and keeping physically fit. For many of us, it is a necessity, especially if we are not into any other physical sport.
3) To improve our own self-esteem with the small goals that we set for ourselves.

I am not even considering professional or even amateur athletes in this category for whom it is a totally different ball-game, and they get motivated towards this sport for other reasons.

Running has been very popular in the past decade worldwide. There is a phenomenal increase in the number of events and running clubs in India as well. Despite this, how does the layperson understand it? Unfortunately, sports for the love of playing, was never understood and was not given priority in our younger days (at least in India) so the mindset with those who are now middle-aged or senior citizens continues.

Thankfully, in my running club Boat Club Dreamers, there are many doctors who understand ‘running’, advise and mentor all of us appropriately and according to our needs and capabilities. But IMHO they are a minority in the population. Many who are not into ’running’ prescribe exercise as a must, especially as we grow older. But this is limited to walking and rarely do they recommend ‘running’. While the benefits of vigorous exercise in keeping the heart ‘active’ are well known, there is a gap between knowledge and practice. It would be good if the professional community updates itself and advice appropriately.

For those who are not into ‘Running’ they perceive it as what they observe track & field athletes or marathon runners. Possibly it is not known that the ’running” means a generic term which includes jogging, sprinting, run n walk, brisk walking, fast walking and its variations.

So, here are my two paisa suggestions:

For those who run: Enjoy the sport the way you like it and the way you see its benefits. Plus, educate others about this sport so that they carry a favourable impression of those who practice it.

For those who do not run or into other sports: Educate yourself and understand that Running is a sport as much as you will view Football, Hockey or, for that matter, Cricket. Also, recommend ‘running’ as a means to exercise and keeping physically fit.