Why is Running so Addictive?

I have set a new years challenge for myself that I will run 1 mile for every new subscriber from now until December 31, 2022. 🔴 Don't Run An Ultra Marathon - My Story - • Don't Run An Ultra Mar...
The total miles will be run in January 2023 and preparation for my ICY 8 Ultra marathon in February.
➡Running Tips | What is a Runner? • What is a runner? 🔴 I'm going to Run Faster in 2022 and Why Seth James DeMoor is Wrong (Kind of 😬) • I'm going to Run Faste... 🔴What is the Minimum Training Time needed to run an Ultra marathon? • What is the Minimum Tr... 🔴Running on a Treadmill is not the Problem • This makes running on ...
Can running be addictive? If so, why is Running so Addictive? Can running be addictive Is running addictive because of the high you can get, but is it just that runners high caused by endorphins or is it something else? What are some running addiction symptoms? Watch: What I hate about running Ultra Marathons • What I hate about runn...
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#ultrarunning #ultrarunner #trailrunning

[@motivationtheoryrunning]

Watch: What I hate about running Ultra Marathons kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6e4paSfrdKtbNU

[@TheCaptainhairdo]

I've been running for over 30 years, and I never feel so alive, connected, and present as I do when I'm running. Some of my most vivid memories are of random runs- mostly just solo training runs, seemingly routine and mundane- and there are many that I can remember like they were yesterday. At 50, I'm running as well as ever (just recover a little slower!) and I'm in just as good shape as I've ever been, maybe better. I feel strong, and confident, and just so damn alive. As George Sheehan said, "I don't know if running will add years to my life, but it certainly adds life to my years."

[@rosieg7582]

Ultrarunning saved my life after losing my oldest son to suicide. The physical exertion matched my emotional trauma. Once I learned to survive, I started to run for veteran suicide awareness. There is such amazing symbolism to life and pushing through darkness to live life to the fullest no matter the challenge.

[@motivationtheoryrunning]

That is absolutely heartbreaking Rosie, honestly I feel after all these years that many of us are running of trauma, loss, addiction and much more on a spectrum of severity…I have always said the woods and the water have healing properties….We’re I train has woods, rivers and stream and is just a place that feels like home. Thanks for sharing your story and feelings on this Rosie, have a wonderful day. Run.Rest.Repeat!

[@rosieg7582]

@@motivationtheoryrunning I think you're right, there is something healing being out in nature, pushing yourself to the limit. It's where I feel my son the most. He's a US Marine so I know he pushes me to suck up the pain and enjoy the adventure. 💙I come across quite a few other runners who can relate to my experience. 😔🇺🇲Thanks for commenting.

[@motivationtheoryrunning]

I come from a very large Marine family aunt, father, brother, grandfather …same with my wife’s family …all Marines…Simper Fi.

[@rosieg7582]

@@motivationtheoryrunning Wow amazing service. Many thanks to your family. What a great legacy 🇺🇲

[@motivationtheoryrunning]

@@rosieg7582 and thanks to yours!

[@phatman0076]

damn, running makes me lose my anxiety, feel free, it´s me time, it´s the time to rethink stuff that grinds your head and find solutions, fresh air, and the results. I have only ran 1 85km ultra once, and I have been down in running since june due an injury. But I cannot wait for it to recover so I can get back on those woods. To explore nature and views. When I run I get to know my self 100%

[@motivationtheoryrunning]

It does the same for me, it silences the things just said…it’s how to turn off the noise of life.

[@jordancrandall1469]

This has been one of your best videos to date. Perfectly describes a lot of why I run. Running has replaced a lot of addictions for me and has a big impact on how to push through other difficult areas in my life. I love how Running will give back to you everything you put into it. It’s both my battle and my solace. My struggle and my strength. I am constantly inspired to go past the edge of what I thought was possible for myself

[@joekern4474]

I couldn't have said it better Jordan...

[@motivationtheoryrunning]

Wow, thank you! and very well said Jordan, glad this connected because sometime I wonder if these thoughts I have would resonate with others or if I'm the only one who thinks these things...I could go on for hours on this subject for sure!

[@GhostTrainPhoto]

I thought I was the only one that in a way "sought adversity". I'm a newbie runner, not even sure if I can call myself a runner yet, nor how long it'll last, due to prior injuries. However, you hit the nail on the head about wanting to strip back all the layers and just be in a situation where your only job is to be one with nature and do what we have evolved to do. I often look back at some of the sketchy situations I've gotten myself into and envy myself in that moment, especially if I'm overly stressed from work or other life drama, because at that moment, my only goal is to stay alive and keep moving. Those are the moments where all the shenanigans of daily life collect into a singularity of meaninglessness and you really begin to appreciate what you have, and discover who you are. THAT is why I am drawn to the idea of an ultra.

[@Kelly_Ben]

Fantastic video! I love the adrenaline of the challenge. You touched on this, but modern life can be so monotonous, time passing by doing what we "must", with not much of what we truly WANT. Years can tick by with no real experience lived, no cool memories made. Running and racing gives excitement and direction to day to day life, and gives the opportunity to everyday average people to accomplish epic things. At the end of my life, I want plenty of those memories to look back on, a life truly LIVED.

[@motivationtheoryrunning]

Well put Kelly!! I want to collect experiences!

[@Shevock]

Yeah. People die racing. Even distances much less than ultras. People die running 5ks. But they also die much worse, every day, sitting on their couch unable to move for decades before their drawn out death finally arrives. So I feel so lucky I can race a 5k hard. That I can push myself in pain and keep going. A half marathon. Less pain but more of it. Possibly longer some day. But really, what a blessing to be able to run. What a gift. I believe the date of our death is prescribed and the only thing we can change is how we live into that moment when God has decided we will go home to the soil and heaven. So I run. Not as fast or as far as you or most people I see at local races even.

[@motivationtheoryrunning]

Perfectly put! We are blessed to have the ability to move!

[@Shevock]

@@motivationtheoryrunning BTW. I've listened to this one twice already. I need this one.

[@motivationtheoryrunning]

Glad to hear Dan, love when these connect with folks, especially when it’s something that is just means a lot to me…

[@alicerenieri329]

Yes I agree too! I think that death must find me alive. Oh, check Dixie by Homemade Wanderlust on Contininental Divide Trail, "The mommy" episode: it's story for children and I never heard about it I Italy but I strongly relate with Dixie's belief about life in that story.

[@RunDaddyO]

Good word. I think you covered it. For me, it's being in nature and the power to change and overcome. I have battled weight my entire life and running has helped me keep it in check. I have lost 70 pounds and gone from fat and out of shape to running ultramarathons. Keep up the good work!

[@cryptomon86]

O literally will have running withdrawals. As an ex opioid addict, running is key to my stability and recovery

[@Eagle-zl4gz]

It gets in your blood! It definitely helped me beat life’s challenges so many times. That first 100 miler for me I’ll never forget it in so many ways. I think running can help you find yourself.there is nothing like fighting through hitting the “WALL “. There is something so special inside the “PAIN ZONE “.

[@motivationtheoryrunning]

I always explain to people that I am a different person now after having run Ultra’s…. On the inside my InterVoice

[@Eagle-zl4gz]

@@motivationtheoryrunning an Ultra is definitely a different animal! Lol. I highly recommend it! Once you climb in to that pain zone it’s one heck of a ride!

[@motivationtheoryrunning]

@@Eagle-zl4gz my whole channel is about trying to get people to move into ultras if they feel the itch!

[@stevejodoin9937]

Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes! Excellent video. Great wrap up of some of the reasons why I started running and now am running ultras... 80k in a week. Aiming for 100k next year at 50y old. I’ve done hard things in my life but once they’re done, you tell yourself what’s next? Long runs are a battle and I aim to win and I like the path to get there.

[@motivationtheoryrunning]

Thank you Steve! Glad it resonated!

[@rushrush1209]

I'm definitely not an ultra marathon guy. I'm more of a half marathoner. I love how running keeps me fit. For the most part, it keeps me away from bars/night clubs/alcohol. It gives me a purpose in an athletic way. I'm definitely not an elite runner, but I don't have to be. Running is for everyone who likes it. I get some aches and pains like every other runner. But I think I'll live longer because of running.

[@yssaa6647]

I started running to clear my head. University was starting to get to me and usually my friends were my support system. Sadly, we had a falling out. I was depressingly sad on the first couple of days and then thought to myself to replace that time with running. Easily the best win of all I gained a good habit, cleared my head, and was happy about it. I do 3 miles every night now.

[@motivationtheoryrunning]

Great way to control your own happiness and health! 💪💪

[@GeorgeLiaskas]

I started running like 3 years ago , quited smoking. I got bk in smoking , bk to bad habits , but i was always missing it in the meantime. I started again , I still got it , i had an injury a week ago.Havent run for like a week now and i feel so depressed. I need to go back. Not running destroys my whole mentality now. Wish me to get well soon guys ! I miss it so much. That is a very nice video , well said !! Much love from Greece.

[@motivationtheoryrunning]

You got this! It’s never over if you don’t give up…fail some days but win others!💪🏼💪🏼

[@MCameron2479]

I whole heartedly agree with the addictive personality aspect of it. I think that people that push on to the marathon and ultra distances require that type of personality. My wife ran for many years before I ever started running. She is content with just running a handful of races each year. I on the other hand have a need to pushing myself until find that breaking point. Especially for the vast majority of us mid to back packers. It’s love of the push to find your limits. I went from running to get in shape and using races to provide the motivation to do, to needing to run to push myself through the next challenge and find that limit. And then when you hit that limit trying to figure out what it takes to push beyond that limit. I also love running because for 1, 2, 3 hrs it brings peace to the chaos of life. When you are 5 miles out you have no choice but to come 5 miles back.

[@motivationtheoryrunning]

very well said, and I also do that all the time...I run far away to make myself have to come back that same distance....lol

[@Jennyshalfmusic]

When I get over 15 - 20 miles, the background starts to get quiet. For me, and I guess many other people, the back ground includes; Work stresses Low self-esteem Failures in life Problem at work Problems in life This list could be a thousand sentences long so I'll some it up in the next... Everything negative. The first time I got over 40mile nothing matter except find the finish line at 50. I was 100% in the moment. And i spent it with the girl I love being my pit crew. All the problems in my life couldn;t take up any head space that day.

[@motivationtheoryrunning]

That’s why I love it!

[@joekern4474]

Well done video John. This one hit hard. Not only was the video great but some of the comments left by viewers were powerful as well. (was it my imagination or did you say "out of shape" while showing a picture of me?) 😂😂😂

[@motivationtheoryrunning]

Glad you enjoyed it, lol, there is no way I did that...I don't ever remember saying "out of shape" ...if so I'm sorry man!!

[@joekern4474]

@@motivationtheoryrunning I was just joking with ya. Seriously though. I enjoy all your videos but this one is a home run for sure. Top 5!

[@motivationtheoryrunning]

Hahahahaha, I figured you were but am not 100% sure it wasn’t a fact and if it was it was an accident…I’m glad this video was a good one!

[@alicerenieri329]

I love the feeling of tiredness that I get running or hiking. I'm the kind of person that thinks that holidays are made to explore, to sweat, to see always new roads, to see what's around next corner again and again. I've always struggled with weight issues, since I was a child ( you can all imagine what other children told me...) and running has hallowed me to find a good balance between food and health. After a neurological disease that made me say goodbye to swim at a certain intensity, wich I LOVED so much 😥, I discovered running. What a great surprise! I really liked this video, thank you so much.

[@motivationtheoryrunning]

Love this! Thank you for sharing Alice!

[@alanfarley3888]

Can totally relate…… my mental health hasn’t been good for the last 10yrs….. and without running, the demons would of won … they only need to win once …….. running distances me from my thoughts, the negative mindset I keep returning to, that disappears for the couple of hours running and almost feels like it resets my clock and puts distance between my demons…… every day running for me increases that distance… that’s why I run ❤️

[@motivationtheoryrunning]

Yeah man, you are not alone in that, so many of us in that same place….looking for ways to find peace. Thanks for sharing Alan, stay strong and keep running!

[@rustyl8880]

First of all, great video and summation of why people are drawn to the "running lifestyle." Reading the comments as to why people push themselves to their limit, reminded me of a sign I saw hanging on your wall in another video: Comfort is a Slow Death. Prefer Pain!

[@motivationtheoryrunning]

Thank you!!

[@motivationtheoryrunning]

And I loved that sign…it just sums it up very well!

[@thomasfritz2698]

....breathing fresh air, drinking clean water, eating healthy food, sleep through the night, watching the sun rise, moving on foot through the meadows and forests......call it addiction, call it simple living, call it what you want.....no battles to fight, no wars to win, nothing to prove, just float up and down the waves in the river of life.......

[@motivationtheoryrunning]

and I believe that is what most people are searching for...

[@thomasfritz2698]

@@motivationtheoryrunning .....that describes my way of life for the last three and a half years.......free at last.....it was a hard and long road, and i had many doubts along the way

[@eliseotorres2389]

Im 40 years old and I've been running for 4 months I have lost 35 pounds, I couldn't run half a mile at the beginning, I can now casually run 5-9 miles at 9 minute pase I definitely say I'll never stop until I can't any more, I'm paying attention to nutrition, shoes and sleep, I don't wanna do it to compete just a a hobby

[@motivationtheoryrunning]

Amazing! Congratulations on your journey💪🏼

[@jes6266]

Thanks for this John! Love the honesty and openness.

[@motivationtheoryrunning]

Thanks Jes!

[@mohammadss5173]

Antidepressant effect which exceeded all other excersises activities … !! I can also stack it with coffee or dark choklate / music to boost and elevate my mood and even the healthy food will stack up after excersise and you will enjoy it more. It motivates and excites to do other things and makes it more enjoyable after excersise Knowing that you may experience it give you the drive to continue… Life is not worth it living in depressed mode for even one day. Thats why sleeping well , exercising and healthy diet is very crucial for your well being Other reasons ; Anxeity and stress relief Good for cardiovascular system For fat burning and stay fit Challengenges and overcoming it Reducing high blood pressure So many reasons… but if you want to make it you have to experience runners high at least once , otherwise its harder to make it daily or weekly activities and you will eventually stop excersing . At lease there is some kind of reward waiting for u.

[@freshfavorites7212]

Good one bro.

[@motivationtheoryrunning]

💪💪

[@taylorjordan1362]

New to your channel. This is awesome.

[@motivationtheoryrunning]

Thank you Taylor and welcome to the Motivation Theory community!!

[@RWise-rm8ti]

Nice Cross Rifles.... Why is the sky blue?

[@motivationtheoryrunning]

Because God loves the infantry

[@Hbe4Real]

But how do you stop at the end of the day ? I

[@Jessiecat15]

Where is this at 1:21 mark? Beautiful!

[@motivationtheoryrunning]

It is the Dahlgren Heritage Rail Trail 50k in Virginia…it was very cool looking.

[@dragonz1714]

Hi sir I need some tips to run longer I barely able to run for 10 mins I need it for police or army admission.please help me

[@jair_rey2494]

Run every day till you feel defeated and keep pushing . Every day you’ll notice you go farther and farther . I take my German shepherd for runs every day. I’ve been running for years and every single day I test my will on runs lol

[@elevatedmind1897]

The worse thing about running isn’t the run. It’s the having to poop mid run that gets me sometimes… 😩😅

[@johnramirez3247]

That's why I just always run around a village road near our house and don't go any further 😂

[@dewknow1315]

The challenge is the only reason I do this stupid sport 🤣🤣.

[@motivationtheoryrunning]

Lol, yep!!

[@alanlierz3745]

You talked about Demons a lot. Do you believe in Jesus?

[@motivationtheoryrunning]

yes and from the context of the discussion I assume you understand that that’s a metaphorical statement correct…..!?

[@alanlierz3745]

@@motivationtheoryrunning glad to hear you know him. Just checking brother. I was hoping it was a metaphor.

[@timeonfeet]

This articulates so many of the reasons I got into running and why I’m still doing it. Thanks for sharing.

[@motivationtheoryrunning]

Very welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@gauthamramachandrang2u]

I get the video and I think I'm starting to addicted, literally...the question that keeps running through my mind is, is it healthy? Can you share your opinion/ any recommended books that talk about this in detail ?

[@dickmcnigglin4201]

The reason why i love running so much is because its a total body workout. Plus i tend to lose weight when i run consistently