Run, If You Can

Running, like dancing, boosts physical health by raising heart rate and inducing sweat, which improves stamina, fitness, and mental health.

Me smiling for the camera after a run in winter wonderland of the Yukon | photo taken with my tripod

Run if you can run, for in this modern world we find ourselves surrounded by an unprecedented amount of chaos and uncertainty. The devastating impacts of ongoing wars, the rise in the cost of living, the persistent threat of diseases, the mounting health-related concerns, the complex dynamics of friendships and relationship challenges, the increasing cultural and religious divisions, the widespread polarization in society, and the profound sadness that comes with losing loved ones - all of these challenges weigh heavily on our collective consciousness. Indeed, the sheer magnitude of concurrent global issues is overwhelming. The political landscape worldwide appears to be descending into an ever-deepening abyss of discord and dysfunction. It truly seems as though humanity is traversing through an particularly challenging and sorrowful period.

Physical movement emerges as one of the most powerful ways to elevate your spirit during these tumultuous times. While I frequently advocate for dance, which holds the position of my primary passion, running has firmly established itself as my cherished second favourite form of movement. Throughout my life's journey, I have embraced running extensively, and I find myself consistently encouraging and inspiring others to discover its benefits. Running truly has the potential to be universally accessible - if your body allows you to move on your two legs without experiencing significant discomfort, you are perfectly equipped to embark on this journey. In such circumstances, running becomes an invaluable tool for nurturing your mental well-being and rekindling your inner happiness.

In these challenging times, when I speak of restoring happiness, I'm not suggesting a withdrawal from worldly concerns. Rather, I firmly believe that compassion and personal joy can coexist harmoniously. Moreover, maintaining your own sense of joy often enhances your capacity for compassion towards others. It's important to distinguish that when I speak of joy, I'm referring to something deeper than mere fun and entertainment. While entertainment provides momentary happiness, joy represents a profound healing process. Joy becomes especially crucial during life's darkest moments - whether sitting in a hospital corridor, awaiting news, or supporting a friend through difficult times. Even in these challenging circumstances, the presence of joy remains essential.

One of the most beautiful aspects of running is its accessibility and scalability. You can begin with gentle, manageable steps - there's no pressure to complete a marathon on your first attempt if you're just starting out. Beginning with short distances, even just a few meters, is perfectly acceptable. Small beginnings often lay the foundation for remarkable achievements. Completing even 100 meters several times a week represents significant progress. As your leg strength develops naturally, you can gradually increase both your running duration and distance whenever opportunities present themselves. Whether traveling or at home, always seek out opportunities and spaces to run.

Running, much like dancing, offers tremendous physiological benefits - it elevates your heart rate and promotes healthy perspiration, contributing significantly to your stamina, physical conditioning, and overall mental well-being. This becomes particularly crucial for office workers and those whose occupations require prolonged periods of sitting. While acknowledging that running isn't universally accessible, particularly for those with mobility challenges, there are numerous adaptive exercise alternatives available today. Modern exercise equipment can be operated solely with upper body strength, allowing people to maintain physical activity even while seated, using just their arm strength - an approach that has proven highly beneficial.

We find inspiration in countless individuals who have demonstrated the transformative power of running - notably, the remarkable Terry Fox, who ran to raise awareness for cancer research. From Olympic athletes to everyday runners, these individuals serve as powerful sources of motivation and inspiration.

The running community is incredibly diverse, encompassing trail enthusiasts, park runners, roadside runners, and those who incorporate running into their hiking adventures. Regardless of your living situation or location, there are almost always suitable running opportunities available. Here in the Yukon, despite its mountainous terrain, we are blessed with exceptional running locations. The Millennium Trail around Whitehorse serves as a premier running destination for local residents. The surrounding area offers numerous hiking trails, including the challenging Black Street Stairs, which combines running with an intense workout. The routes to Skagway and Haines present exciting adventures for more ambitious runners. Some prefer the controlled environment of the Canada Games Centre, our local running facility and rec centre. Personally, I embrace running wherever I find myself - whether on the Millennium Trail, smaller paths, major hiking routes, or even along roadsides. I believe in maintaining flexibility about running locations and eliminating excuses - when it comes to running, the most important thing is simply to begin.

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Dear reader,

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Cheerfully,
Gurdeep