When Good Intentions Go Bad

run in the rain

Originally uploaded by donjuanna

I was driving around Berkeley yesterday, on my way home from school, when I spotted a man jogging in the street. Normally, this wouldn’t really draw my attention. After all, there are almost always people jogging in the streets of Berkeley. However, yesterday was not a normal day. Yesterday was cold and rainy. In fact, it was freezing cold and pouring down rain in Berkeley and here’s this guy running around in his shorts and running shirt. I guess some people would think “wow, that’s impressive dedication” but all I could think was “wow, that’s pretty dumb.”

Running is great exercise, but it does take a toll on the body. At the end of a solid run, you’re tired and your body is exhausted. Yes, many of us experience what’s called a runner’s high, a state in which the endorphins released by running cause us to feel great. However, that’s a trick your brain plays on you so you can keep running without noticing all the bad stuff, likes being tired or being in pain.

That guy out there, running in the rain, he’s not tough and he’s not dedicated, he’s just being silly. He’s putting himself in danger by exposing himself to bad weather while at the same time exhausting his body so it can’t fight things off. He’s also putting himself in danger of accidents which are a lot more likely when the streets are wet. That’s not healthy for anyone.

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So here’s my piece of advice for all of you out there. Yes, dedication to fitness is great and not letting minor obstacles stop you is also great, but use some common sense.