As adults, we run to get away, to escape, to explore, and for some, to promote an emotional homeostasis. Research says that during prolonged running, our minds go to places that include critical thinking and promote problem solving. We become creative during prolonged isolation in meditation, or a meditative run in this case. We think about our work, our family, our worries, our doubts, and more. Then, if our run is of good distance, our brain shifts to a place not frequented enough. We begin placing these doubts and insecurities into packages to be sent to the creative part of our brain for processing. It is there that our brain begins to unwrap the layers and go to work on the issues within. Our brain uses its skill-sets to create answers to problems we face. Similar to being in dream state, we become exposed to new ideas that we tinker with, mold and make anew. All the while, we are running.
Children, on the other hand, experience running in a seemingly different way. Rather than work through the daily hassles and emotions throughout their run, they chase the rabbit. At practice, the rabbit is a Pacer or a goal pace. And, frankly, that is it! Running for children, it’s as simple as that – children running. They don’t have bills, no work stress, they don’t worry about mom sitting in the car, like mom worries about them potentially getting run over on the track by the taller kids. Running is just different for younger kids. That’s not to say children don’t have stress – they do! They stress about school, they stress at school, they stress about their friends, or the lack of friends, and yes, they even stress about their parents. But when kids are running, their stress is much more physical than emotional, mental, or social, like adults. For kids, the stress might be learning a new pace for a new distance or learning just to hold on to the kids in front of them!
Between childhood and adulthood come the middle years when the physical challenge of running shifts to include emotional, mental, and even social challenges, which will impact physical performance. It is here, where we begin to learn to adapt to our stress by compartmentalizing our challenges – academic, extracurricular, employment, etc. – that offer an opportunity for growth by working through these challenges in healthy ways.
If nothing else, 2020 has provided pause to consider our priorities in life. Our homes are likely cleaner, our lives are likely more organized, and our families are likely a little closer. And with the nation steadily reopening from stay-at-home mandates, let us remember these priorities moving forward, and follow-through with the things that truly matter to each of us. Implement the dreams you conjure up on your runs, mindfully and healthily move forward through adversity as a teen, and if you are a child, continue playing with friends and chasing the rabbit.
