Hello this is Kris, welcome to my blog cast. I am sorry it has been so long. It is not as if there hasn’t been lots to write about. One just has to view the news to become stirred up. But sometimes it is just too much and talking about the day-to-day stuff seems irrelevant.
Chores and sleep keep me bogged down. I work a lot of nights and sleep becomes the most important part of my day. I get three or four hours, get up, do chores, then go back to bed so I can get maybe four more hours of sleep later.
Despite the fatigue from this schedule, I continue my walks with my best pal Tessie. She is getting old and decrepit and loves to get in her snuffles every day. Okay, I am getting old and decrepit as well.
Today we were walking on our favorite trail. The temperature was 55 degrees. The sun was shining, and it was so lovely for the end of November. Who could ask for anything more?
While I continue walking the trails, I have decided I will not go on a pilgrimage to Spain next year as there is just too much going on in the world that is unsafe. People are getting crazy. And there are just too many strains of COVID that make me a nervous wreck when I think of travelling. And yes, I have been vaccinated. I do not think it is any worse than all the other childhood immunizations we are required to get. I am a nurse and I know people have died from this dreaded disease, many people, and I think we all need to protect ourselves, and others as much as we can.
Well enough on that, I don’t want to spoil anyone’s Thanksgiving weekend. Besides, I want to talk about something trivial, like the runner’s high you hear people talking about. I am sure you have heard it mentioned. How it is almost better than drugs, but can I ask you have you ever witnessed anyone running that looks like they are on a lovely trip in their minds?
No of course you haven’t! Most runners I see running on my trails look like they are trying to take a good dump. Sorry but it is true. They run along groaning and moaning. Sweating, straining, and spitting snot on the trail as they hurl past me. Where is the high part, I want to ask them? It certainly isn’t evident when they run past. I have not seen one person jogging along with a smile on their face. They look like it is painful. I am sure they feel such superiority as they race by, and I am “only walking for exercise”, but at least I don’t look like I am going to lose my lunch.
I’ve heard the saying runners high, and I’m sure you have too, but my question is when does that occur. As I’m walking along and these runners zoom past me, they have this horrible look on their faces as if they’re in pain, as if they’re constipated. Their feet are slamming on the ground as they hurry past flinging sweat in my direction. If I see them before they zoom by, I give them a wide berth, so I don’t get their body fluids flung on me. How can we know when they are finally high, from running, when they look like they’re dying?
To me a runner’s high should present the appearance of being happy. These people don’t look happy and high, they look like they’re on their last leg. I don’t want to get a runner’s high if that’s what I’m going to look.
I know that exercise is good for all of us, and I shouldn’t make fun of people that are out there really trying to exercise, but can you tell me when that high hits you. When on your short or long run do you actually feel happy and relaxed. Does it really ever happen or is it a myth. From my experience I am leaning toward myth.
I walk at least five times a week with my dog Tessie. You may have seen her pictures in the past. And I can tell you I have never reached a walker’s high. There are some days when it’s lovely out, but the walking part is tedious. I’d rather be laying in the leaves smelling the scent of autumn then walking or running. I usually can’t wait to get home to my couch. I’d rather be sitting with my feet up relaxing although I do love the great outdoors, and the sunshine on my face. Occasionally I see wildlife hiding in the trees and brush like deer and turkeys, turtles too. That does bring a little rush of happiness. I guess you could call that a “ high” as I watch these animals share in my space.
I also love crushing the leaves as I walk, there are a gazillion leaves on the grass right now, it is like stepping on a large pile of potpourri. So, while I cannot admit to any “high” gained from my walks, I will say that it always makes me feel better once I have completed my trek, and Tessie and I share in a cool drink of water. Isn’t that what life is about, finding moments of contentment. It is so important right now in these troubled times to let go of the stress brought on by current events, and differences of opinions. Take a moment to steep yourself in something that brings you comfort and peace. I am not talking about any drugs or alcohol. I am talking about things in nature, music, laughter, and family and friends. How many videos have you see where people share their joy in owning a pet? I love my dog Tessie, she is twelve now, not too much time left, but I will cherish each moment. Find some moments that you can cherish as well, and as I always say, have a great day today, you and I deserve it.
