People often talk about the runner's high, but I'm more interested in the runner's calm. Although I can be straining & working hard while running, the fluidity and simplicity of the act, the places my feet take me and the conversations and thoughts that I have while out on a run has an incredibly calming effect on the rest of my life. This feeling of serenity and grounding that I get from running on trails and mountains is largely why I do it.
I just saw this wonderful, Joel Wolpert produced, video of Geoff Roes, arguably the best mountain ultra runner in world at the moment. I was struck by how Joel was able to capture Geoff's calm, unassuming and authentic demeanour. While he doesn't address it specifically and you could use a number of descriptors, such as spiritual, meditative, religious etc... to summarize the language that Geoff uses when he is talking about running-I'll argue that this clip profiles the runner's calm perfectly:
5 comments:
Runner's calm - where has that term been all my life? I've never actually understood the runner's high, but runner's calm I definitely get. Nice little video. Definitely captures the nature of ultra running - and with no sprinting through the woods at mile interval pace!
HA! Yes, the video is lacking in sprinting and bounding sequences. It is also lacking in people on the trail staring in amazement, likely because almost no one lives up there.
Have to admit that Juneau and AK in general, look like pretty intriguing spots to run.
As for the runner's high-maybe it's more like a calming pot or shroom high than a speed/cocaine high?
Wonderful, I admire what you are doing for the sport Adam and it truly reflects on your philosophy toward the life in general. I am an avid runner myself, musician/ teacher and pre law student :) you made me want to run more.
Pete
Thanks Pete, you really couldn't have said a nicer thing to me. Glad to know I can be an inspiration in some form or another.
Happy trails,
Adam
Likewise !!! Thank you,
ps
I ended up buying Arcteryx hoody!!! darn it :)
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