It may surprise some, but the truth is I'm not much of a runner. I've always found running as an activity to be utterly pointless unless you need to get somewhere faster than a walk and don't have an alternative. Like a car. Or the tube. Or pretty much any form of transport - running is very much a last resort.
The exception is playing sports that involve a ball or ball-like substitute. As far as I can tell, balls were invented to distract people from realising that they are running. Which means I find it unsettling meeting people who like running for running's sake. Their sense of fulfilment from this activity is so far away from mine that I wonder if there's something wrong with the wiring in their brains.
They say things like 'oh you get a real high from it', or 'it's addictive', or 'it's a great way to get fit'.
First, I get a real high from sitting. It's nice. And even nicer if you're drinking at the same time. And I don't sweat as much. Second, plenty of things are addictive. Drinking for one, and that makes you feel pretty good too. Last, running is not a great way to get fit as evidenced by so many runners who at my age can hardly walk anymore. Or are dead.
But I have to admit that there are some benefits to running. Particularly if you don't have to leave the flat.
First benefit is that you can fail in solitude. No one is there to see how pathetic you are.
Second, you don't need a spare field and collection of other people to do it with you.
Last, it doesn't require any particular skill, except maybe tying your shoelaces. I run in my underpants so there's no need for special gear either.
Occasionally I wonder what could possibly be in a magazine like 'Runner's World' - there's no equipment needed, no skill required, and not a lot to say about it. How on earth do they fill up an issue with content, let alone a year's subscription? Do runners particularly enjoy looking at photos of other people preparing to run, run and then recovering from a run?
Told you they are weird.
You shouldn’t be running at your age.