jogging in public: a confession

I live in Chicago, in a really vibrant neighborhood; lots of people always walking about the streets. Amway, I tend to get a bit wound up while jogging out in my neighborhood.

I start out ok; first half is a breeze (steady pace, pretty uneventful.)

By the second half though, I'm pumped full of energy and I can't help but to get swept up in the lively vibe of the neighborhood, and I have to release all that energy!

On my way back to the starting point, I'm zig-zagging between parked cars, people, poles, meters; I'm doing all kinds of crazy spins and football moves, sprints, jumps, leaps, hurdles, balance games, I'll even race moving cars. I can't help myself. I feel like I have to release the energy I built up during the first half.

 

Is this normal? Anyone else get a similar feeling?

Nope, not normal at all, you must be completely insane.

I mean, I may have been known to do similar things before, but that that in no way goes against my original statement

1st of all, I live and run in Chicago too. What neighborhood are you in?

2nd, I totally get the same feeling. Not dodging in and out of cars feeling, but when I start, I'm like,'okay, not feelin it today...if I can just make it through 30 minutes....' then I reach 30 minutes and I'm like,'man, I can keep going...' and I pump it up harder and really challenge myself. I think it has to do with the endorphins that are released or something...

Me too.  I think it must be the endorphins.

naturallyd , "I live and run in Chicago too. What neighborhood are you in?"

Well obviously not in yours, because you would've already noticed the psycho by now.

(i'm only joking)

I think it's the endorphins but I also think it's whatever is running through your legs, like oxygen.  I just dance with my arms and lip sync. 

Well, I go jogging in a relatively low-key area in the suburbs, but I know what you're saying.  For the last interval of my jog I pick up the pace to a dead sprint until my end destination, literally as fast as I can go.  I feel like the flash, lol.

Yeah towards the end of my runs I just really want to dance, so I kind of dance and run at the same time. I look like a total freak but I feel really happy about it. haha. :)

ahahaha that reminds me of that episode of Friends when Phoebe would run through Central Park flayling her arms all over the place because it was fun and Rachel didn't want to go running with her.

I believe what you are refering to is what is commonly called a runners high.  Ive never experienced it myself but I have friends who assure me it does happen and a lot.

Umm yeah definitely NEVER experienced that. I'm usually feeling like I want to lay on the ground and die when I run outside (and I work out every day at the gym!) and giving the finger to a-holes who honk at me.

When I was an avid runner I'd get that feeling a lot. You get addicted to it and get VERY cranky on days you don't run, so that's the trade off

There are probably people in your neighborhood by now that refer to you as "crazy running man"  There's one in my neighborhood also.

At least you're not the "naked old man" jogger that we have close to us.  Actually he's not naked, but he runs early in the morning and his shorts are tan and he's shirtless ... he looks naked.  He's probably in his 70s or so and he's very thin and he  jogs at about  2 mph.   Don't get me wrong, I think it's great that he's still got the mojo to get out and jog every day. 

lmao! Ha!  You are too funny.  That's it...I'm moving to Chicago.

Your story reminds me of the "Friends" episode when Phoebe and Rachel go running and Phoebe runs like a crazy little kid and Rachel get's embarassed.

You should put a movie of yourself on youtube so we can all see it ;)

Original Post by naturallyd:

1st of all, I live and run in Chicago too. What neighborhood are you in?

2nd, I totally get the same feeling. Not dodging in and out of cars feeling, but when I start, I'm like,'okay, not feelin it today...if I can just make it through 30 minutes....' then I reach 30 minutes and I'm like,'man, I can keep going...' and I pump it up harder and really challenge myself. I think it has to do with the endorphins that are released or something...

Hi,

I live in South Lawndale, otherwise known as Little Village.  Come visit me some time! :D

I think I'll put on a police uniform and chase you lol.

That's awesome, most people won't do something like that unless they are drinking.  I hope you always want to express your energy in the ways that please you.  It isn't normal, but it is normal to be uptight and self-conscious (which is no fun).

Hahaha. That's adorable. It's like you're living in a scene from a musical. :D

I occasionally get endorphin highs that cause me to look for any and every excuse to do something physical. I'll finish running and then I'll start jumping in place or dancing or lifting my dogs like dumbbells. :\ It feels gooood.

Original Post by mortalmonkey:

Original Post by naturallyd:

1st of all, I live and run in Chicago too. What neighborhood are you in?

2nd, I totally get the same feeling. Not dodging in and out of cars feeling, but when I start, I'm like,'okay, not feelin it today...if I can just make it through 30 minutes....' then I reach 30 minutes and I'm like,'man, I can keep going...' and I pump it up harder and really challenge myself. I think it has to do with the endorphins that are released or something...

Hi,

I live in South Lawndale, otherwise known as Little Village.  Come visit me some time! :D

I will keep my eyes open for ya!  That's the neighborhood I grew up in.  I haven't experienced anything quite like that (I'm still in the learning stages of running) but I do know I get a kick of energy after a strenuous workout. 

Umm, I do see a guy on skates going down Harlem Avenue in Melrose Park that does what you describe you do.  He's raced me (while I'm in stop & go traffic), weaves in and out of parked cars.  In fact, I saw him just yesterday...he was dancing while skating backwards

Btw, your progress pictures look great!  I saw the photo in your link and you look at least 10 years younger from your starting point to now.  Great job!!!