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Running as antidepressant

weinbagel
weinbagel Posts: 337 Member
edited January 17 in Fitness and Exercise
Dear fellow runners:

Why do you run? I know the obvious reason, to either lose weight, or stay in shape. But for me, I run 50% to stay in shape, and 50% to stay sane! It's my free antidepressant. I'm addicted to endorphins ;-)

Cheers,
Katie

Replies

  • Chieflrg
    Chieflrg Posts: 9,097 Member
    I'm pretty active with many hard core things and running to me is two things.

    A challenge and clear my head time.

    I love being in the zone. The other day when I got done with my morning 5K, I thought I really stunk up the run bad. I felt out of breath, out of shape. Turns out I knocked off 3 minutes of my best time. Surprises are great!
  • kmm7309
    kmm7309 Posts: 802 Member
    I run because I used to couldn't.

    I never thought it would be possible, especially at 200 pounds.
  • LazyGuy91
    LazyGuy91 Posts: 171 Member
    I'm new to running (or jogging in mt case), but I get exactly what you're getting at. It's an awesome stress releiver!
  • NCchar130
    NCchar130 Posts: 955 Member
    The stress relief and just the general feeling of 'I am awesome' is why I do any cardio :love: Running gets me there but so does elliptical, if I go long enough. And recently I've rediscovered jump rope and am working my way up to doing that longer and longer.
  • libertygirlfla
    libertygirlfla Posts: 184 Member
    I agree...endorphins! Plus, it's such a "mindless" workout with a definite beginning middle and end! I love running outside because I get to see my neighborhood from a completely different perspective.
  • EmmaKarney
    EmmaKarney Posts: 690 Member
    I enjoy the endorphin WHOOSH of cardio too. Which is why I have to admit I get a little irritated at the "lift heavy" brigade on here.

    I get why lifting heavy is a great form of exercise but I simply don't enjoy picking up and putting down heavy things.

    Each to their own huh?
  • jennmodugno
    jennmodugno Posts: 363 Member
    Ohhhh, that is EXACTLY why I exercise. Getting in shape is great, but mostly I just love the feeling of being strong and light as I fly through my martial arts moves. I have chronic depression, so exercise is my anti-antidepressant, haha! Not that it stopped me from needing to take meds my whole life, but I firmly believed it kept my dose lower than it would be otherwise, and almost entirely eliminated bad days that sometimes popped up despite my medication. With a 3-year-old, it's also what keeps me calm during the bad weeks when she's getting into every sort of mischief imaginable.
  • marikevr
    marikevr Posts: 389 Member
    Running has helped me pull through some pretty bad patches. It is not a cure-all, but runner's high is a great drug. ;)
  • slkehl
    slkehl Posts: 3,801 Member
    So true! Helped me survive my last breakup
  • LazyGuy91
    LazyGuy91 Posts: 171 Member
    So true! Helped me survive my last breakup


    I believe it! It's really helping me get through some things!
  • Polymorphist
    Polymorphist Posts: 41
    I enjoy the endorphin WHOOSH of cardio too. Which is why I have to admit I get a little irritated at the "lift heavy" brigade on here.

    I get why lifting heavy is a great form of exercise but I simply don't enjoy picking up and putting down heavy things.

    You know, same here. I spent the entire past year doing pretty much nothing but strength training and although I enjoyed the rush of watching my strength go up, it just isn't "constant" enough for my tastes. I've always been a continuous action, cardio-type of person. To me, nothing feels better than a great pair of exercised lungs. I'll go back to lifting, but I won't leave out the cardio this time.
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