Grading Out The Running Buzz

I feel AMAZING... and can tackle the world (usually) after a run, but I don't crave it when I'm not doing it as much as I wish I did.  Sometimes I get a bit itchy to run if I see others doing it (which makes having a marathoning husband a major bonus), but I just get cranky when I don't excercise enough (in general) and don't notice it until its pointed out to me (by aforementioned husband!).

Running is a means to an end ..... getting faster, that's pretty much it.

I enjoy it, but at the end it is about what I did right, what I did wrong and what I can do to improve.  And that I'm tired ........

When I can't run, which only occurs when I'm hurt, my mood turns downward - even with meds.  On the flipside, before I was on mood stablizers a solid run made me feel grandiose.  For instance, I could NOT contain my emotions (no filter for my thoughts) and risk taking was the norm - challenging traffic while running, driving reckless because I just knew nothing would happen to ME - I was Superman.   I don't get that high anymore after runs 'cuse of meds, but I still reach heights most people don't I suspect.

I'm the fidgety, maybe even cranky, person when I haven't run.  Like... right now!!!

That being said, the runs that make me feel better are usually the ones in the 40 - 75 minute range.  I come home refreshed, energized, happy.  Long runs, I come home happy and tired and wiped out!

I used to not like running. It hurt, I jiggled - alot, I couldn't breathe or get into any sort of rhythm and was totally wiped out afterwards.

Through slowly (and that is meant literally) running, over and over again... I managed to build up some endurance. And even more slowly, I gained some speed (for me its speed..hey, its all relative) and I actually now enjoy it. I find it cathartic. I can now relax a bit, think, breathe, and always seem to come out for the better after having taken a run.

X2

I usually have to remind myself that I'll feel great after.  And I always do.