DIY Instructions For Creating Your Own Running Addiction

     I think just about every hard core runner I know is a self proclaimed "running addict"- myself included. While I have joked about it for years, I actually came across a 2009 Tufts University study where researchers determined that running releases chemicals in the brain that mimics the same sense of euphoria as opiate use, Heroin to be specific. Since I have never had the misfortune to try Heroin I will have to take their word on this one. I will however say, from personal experience, that running does give me a sense of well-being which I feel stems from 1.) the sense of accomplishment I get after a challenging run or race- especially when I set a new PR (There is nothing quite like accomplishing something that you didn't think you could actually do. This feeling is absolutely indescribable.)  2.) the feeling of being a strong and fierce female that I have from living in this strong body that I have created 3.) the feeling of pure freedom from all the stresses of life that I get when I go for a run in perfect weather...ahhh...heaven.
      A sure sign of addiction is withdraw symptoms. The withdraw symptoms are real, as any runner will tell you. They range from irritability, to anxiety, to simply an overall feeling of being "off".  My personal opinion is that this is because our bodies were designed for regular physical activity. In order to function at optimal capacity, our bodies need this like they need food and water. I know that when I am hungry I often feel irritable, anxious, and "off".
       The benefit of a running addiction is the never ending commitment to the sport. This is what gets me out of bed at 3:15am to get my 8 miles in before work. This is what drives me to sign up for,  train for, and run half marathons. This is what pushes me on a long run to go the extra mile. This is what creates the feeling of enjoyment that I get from running.
        I didn't start out addicted. I had to fuel my addiction. In the beginning it was difficult for me too. Shoot, some mornings it is still difficult. That is the nature of the sport. Do not let that deter you. Stay the course and your hard work and commitment will pay off in ways you can only imagine. In order to assist you in fueling your addiction I have compiled a list of ways to become addicted.

1. Print out the Couch to 5K training program and cross out each day as you complete it. Studies have shown that crossing things off a "to-do" list produces a surge of Serotonin in the brain which creates a feeling of well-being.
2. Sign up for a 5K and run it!  There is an amazing sense of accomplishment from setting a goal, working hard toward that goal, and eventually achieving that goal.
3. Once you get to the point where you can run 3 miles, do it 3 to 4 days week. Studies have shown that you have to run 3 miles for the endorphins to kick in. Once you are regularly running 3 miles you will be amazed at how your body seems to want to try for that extra mile. During a particularly "easy" run you will find yourself saying "I think I can do 4 miles today" and you will be right!
4. Become a professional goal maker. Make goals for pace, weekly mileage, monthly mileage, long run mileage, or anything else you find motivating. Then push yourself to meet your goals. The sense of accomplishment from meeting your goals will drive you to run, run, run.
5. Reward yourself for meeting your goals. Decide what will motivate you. New heels? New running capris? New running shoes? A massage? New Coach bag???
6. Find a time to run that works for your schedule. I recommend running in the morning because that endorphin rush will leave you feeling good all day. You will have to assess your day and find what works best for YOU.
7. When you are feeling stressed, go for a run. Not only will this help to relieve your stress in a healthy way, but this will also facilitate the paradigm that not only does your body need to run, but running is beneficial to your body.
8. Try different environments to find the one that inspires you. Trail runs? Treadmill? Road runs? Track runs? With a partner? Without a partner? Try it all!

    The most important thing when developing your running addiction is to stick with it. Just because it is  difficult (in the beginning) does not mean it is impossible. Believe that you can do it, and you can!

Happy Running! :)