I Tried Running for Two Years and It Changed my Brain

Summary

In this inspiring narrative, Zach shares his transformative journey from a sedentary lifestyle during the 2020 lockdown to becoming a dedicated runner. Initially struggling with a daunting hill during his first run, he persevered through a 30-day challenge, which led to significant improvements in his cardiovascular fitness and mental resilience. Zach's story highlights the power of discipline and the 'embrace the suck' mindset, which he applies to various aspects of life, leading to personal growth and a newfound love for running.

Takeaways

• 🏃 The speaker embarked on a 30-day running challenge during the 2020 lockdown to improve physical fitness and counteract the negative effects of inactivity.
• 🚫 Initially, the challenge was daunting, with the speaker feeling overwhelmed by the difficulty of running, especially when faced with a steep hill early in the challenge.
• 🎧 The Nike running app and its encouraging coach, Coach Bennett, played a significant role in motivating the speaker to continue running.
• 🌱 Despite the struggle, the speaker noticed improvements in cardiovascular fitness and overall health, which in turn increased their motivation to keep running.
• 🌟 Around day 20, the speaker experienced a 'runner's high' for the first time, which was a pivotal moment that made running feel enjoyable and rewarding.
• 💪 The discipline and mental toughness required for running began to translate into other areas of the speaker's life, such as studying and working.
• 🧠 The speaker developed a greater awareness of their thoughts and learned to embrace and even enjoy the 'suck' or struggle in running and other challenges.
• 🤸‍♂️ Running led to the discovery of new physical and mental capabilities, as well as new social connections through meeting other runners.
• 🏞 The act of running opened up opportunities to explore new places and appreciate the beauty of nature, adding a sense of adventure to the speaker's routine.
• 🔁 The 'embrace the suck' mindset became a core part of the speaker's approach to life, leading to personal growth and a more positive attitude towards challenges.

Q & A

What was the speaker's initial reaction to running up a challenging hill during his third run?

The speaker felt overwhelmed and thought he needed a team to carry him up the hill, as he didn't believe he could do it alone.

Why did the speaker start his 30-day running challenge?

The speaker began his running challenge during the lockdown in 2020 when gyms and yoga studios were closed, and he noticed his physical and mental health were deteriorating without exercise.

What was the speaker's physical condition like before starting his running challenge?

Before starting the challenge, the speaker was out of shape, noticed he was studying less, and was out of breath during a simple walk with his parents.

How did the speaker feel during his first run, and what was his immediate reaction?

During his first run, the speaker felt awful, realizing he was in poor cardiovascular shape and couldn't complete even half a mile. He was disheartened but committed to continuing.

What was the speaker's experience with running before starting his 30-day challenge?

Prior to the challenge, the speaker had no formal running experience. He had run casually in school and on playgrounds but never engaged in structured or long-distance running.

What was the turning point for the speaker during his running challenge?

The turning point was around day 20 when he experienced a 'runner's high' for the first time, which made him realize the joy and power of running and motivated him to continue.

How did the speaker's perspective on struggle change after embracing running?

The speaker learned to embrace the 'suck' or the struggle of running, which transformed his mindset and made him enjoy the challenges he faced, not just in running but in other aspects of life as well.

What benefits did the speaker notice in his daily life after becoming a runner?

The speaker noticed improvements in cardiovascular fitness, mental toughness, discipline, and an enhanced ability to enjoy the struggle in various challenges he faced in his daily life.

What was the speaker's approach to running during adverse weather conditions like winter?

The speaker continued running through winter conditions by investing in appropriate gear such as Under Armour clothing and gloves, ensuring he could run regardless of the weather.

How did the speaker's morning routine evolve after adopting running as a habit?

The speaker integrated running into his morning routine and discovered the 'jumpstart trifecta' consisting of techniques to optimize his circadian rhythm and start his day at peak performance.