The Unpredictability of Movement and the Joy of Running

This afternoon, I decided to go for a run. It was raining. I didn’t really feel like it. And so, instead of just getting outside, I spent time wondering what happens when thinking about whether or not to go for a run and what may be the consequences of either decision.

This can’t be unfamiliar territory for many people, for whom the effort to get out and do something can be a huge barrier. So I wanted to examine this moment of indecision and spent time in that space.

A number of things went through my head while considering my options. I definitely wanted to experience the feeling of having run. To have exercised can bring a feeling of achievement, of having made good use of time. It can feel like one has re-energised oneself. Even if the actual physiological processes are of tiredness subsequent to the run, there is a subsequent energy boost, which I anticipate obtaining later on. My expectation of that feeling makes me feel good about what I have done. A warm feeling tiredness, born out of knowing that my body has done something difficult, which will promote its well-being.

But the psychological barrier to getting out for the run can be huge.

I wondered what I might be able to achieve — perhaps I could run a personal best. I even set myself a 5k limit and sought to see…