Ah, running. It’s like a torture session with your own mind, except you get to wear fancy shoes and sweat a lot. And let’s not forget that delightful voice inside your head that won’t shut up. “You’re too slow,” it says. “You’re too lazy.” Geez, thanks, brain.

But we runners are a special breed. We keep going, even when our inner voice is telling us we’re insane (which, let’s be honest, we kind of are). Is it the endorphins that keep us going? The sense of accomplishment? Or maybe we’re all just gluttons for punishment.

Being a runner is like playing a mental game of whack-a-mole. Every time you conquer one doubt or fear, another pops up to take its place. But as crazy as it sounds, those inner demons have actually make us better runners. We use them as motivation to prove ourselves wrong and push through the pain.

And let’s remember the nutritional nightmares. Eating too much before a run feels like a food baby is trying to escape your stomach, while not eating enough turns you into a wheezing mess. And don’t even get me started on “runner’s trots.” Let’s just say that mid-run bathroom emergencies are a real crapshoot.

But despite all the mental, physical, and digestive challenges, we keep running. It could be the thrill of breaking a personal record or the satisfaction of running with a group of friends (or it’s just the chance to show off our fancy shoes), or the sanctuary of running alone. Whatever it is, we’ll keep running, no matter how crazy it makes us. Let’s raise our water bottle to the madness, the sweat, the tears, and the countless miles. May we never lose our love for the run (or our sense of humor about all the toilet humor).

By Shaun Sima
Lunatic Runner
https://chef-pocket.com/aboutme/