Running for the Perfect High

I ran for fifteen minutes today and logged a whole mile and a half! Hardly impressive, I know, but nearly three times better than my time the day before. I used to run like the wind, everyday, in the early morning or after work. The city streets were mine; there you would find me striding against traffic in a blur of motion.

So why am I telling you this? Because running is like Wellbutrin for the mind and a little blue pill that revs up the libido, with side effects that may include happiness, a sense of unyielding power and the sleekest form the body will ever know. Just like the highs and hurdles of life, some days will find you sprinting and then, just when you think you have the power to do anything, the next will find you battling your brain till exhaustion just to get one foot in front of the other. And with this we learn to be lenient with our spirit and to accept incremental progress, because at least by putting ourselves out there we are trying our individual best.

Every New Year I dream I could be one of those green tea drinking vegans, so pure, always fresh and light in spirit. Unfortunately I am far too riddled with vices that only a long run by myself can help to cure. And though I have never been one for resolutions, this year I will try my best to get back to running. I was born to run -- not a marathon, just me, the wind and my thoughts, making my best effort to put one foot in front of the other.

In as little as twenty minutes a day and you too can be on your way to better health and happiness. Here are some tips to get started:

1. Get Informed: Try to learn as much as you can about running by talking to fellow runners, reading articles or signing up for a running clinic in your area. Runners World Online is a great resource where you can find advice and training tips for beginners and connect with other runners in your community.

2. Think Like Rocky: Run on the streets, in the park or up and down museum steps, anything to break-up the monotony of the treadmill, even in the winter. If you don't have the wherewithal to go at it alone, find a local running group so you can hit the pavement en group in the early morning hours or after work.

3. Stay Motivated: For reinforcement and support on those lazy, rainy, or otherwise uninspired days, Nike and iPod have teamed up to offer the most comprehensive music/running program. The Nike+iPod Sports Kit lets you monitor progress such as the elapsed time, distance traveled, pace, or calories burned and display it on the screen or broadcast it through the headphones of an iPod. In addition to music, there are pre-recorded messages there to congratulate you whenever you achieve a personal best (such as farthest distance, longest duration.)