Grand Strand residents are Running Down A Dream

There are two types of people in this world. Those who run and those who do not.

Running is not the separation between the gym rats and the couch potatoes. It does not divide the big from the small. It, certainly, does not determine who is more morally correct in our world of selfies, “13.1” stickers and giving medals to everyone.

Running has grown to be, somewhat, of a multipurpose activity for all ages, sizes and abilities. An activity of bragging rights, discussion topics at the bar and even one that drives relationships.

The oddest fact about running is that most people hate it.

Love or hate, around 10,000 people will line up at a starting line this year at the 19th Annual Myrtle Beach Marathon and Dasani Half Marathon. There must be something that drives all those people to run on their own free will.

Why do people run?

Skinny Minnie

Losing weight tends to be the most common answer to the aforementioned question. Running is the cheapest and most accessible way to lose the pounds.

Bill Stanton, the Director of Marketing and Communications for the Myrtle Beach Marathon as well as a 30 year veteran runner, says that running is so simplistic that anyone can do. There is little to no cost and you can do it anywhere at any time.

Efficiently burning calories to the tune of an average of 100 calories per mile for a 150 pound person, running can be very effective. The real weight loss “magic” is increasing your resting metabolism by building muscle mass. Which means you will burn more calories at rest as a runner than you will as a non-runner.

Experts say that a post run snack is essential, but should not exceed 150 calories. Refuel the body, not over fuel stomach.

Running is not considered a cure-all, but, rather, a single piece of the health puzzle.

Stanton reminds us that running is a sport and one that should not be taken for granted. He encourages beginners to ease into it, get doctors advice, but to keep going.

Running, especially long distance, is a taxing activity and should have medical clearance before you lace up and tear off into the street. Depending upon your physical condition and weight loss goals, a slow start may be more productive. If you can couple it with some healthy eating habits and overall health plan, you are in a much better position for success.

Let’s Get High

There is a pill for everything these days. Instead of opting for the line at the local pharmacy, or worse, many studies think that running does the work of those little pills.

Running, and exercising in general, has been shown to reduce stress, relieve mild depression and lower anxiety. Commonly known as “runners high”, the release of endorphins into the brain can create a euphoric, calm and, well, a high sensation.

Granted you can not just jog a few steps and feel the buzz.

In fact, there is no scientific proof regarding how long, how far or how often “runners high” occurs. It kicks in at different moments for each run with an array of variables to blame. Most runners still dismiss it as simply “feeling good”. A calm sense of happiness that lasts a few minutes or a few hours.

Stanton uses his ruling time as the only time he gets to unplug from everything and just exist for a bit. He says that improving your body, getting the body moving and unplugging from our technology saturated world have all helped his mental strength over the years.

“As long as you are out there doing it.”, Stanton affirms. That is the important thing.

No psychologist or doctor on the earth would prescribe running to cure these mental conditions for lack of proof and, I would suspect that money would come into play from the big pharmaceutical companies, Some runners who suffer from these ailments do attest that the exercise reduces the adverse feelings they may experience.

If you believe that the mind and body are connected, it would make sense that getting in shape would have a positive effect on your brain and emotional state. At minimum, you would agree that is would be worth a try if someone were serious about managing their stress or anxiety.

Swipe Right For Everyone

Running has grown to a subculture of positive vibes, support and interaction. For some, even raw, unbridled attraction spawns from jogging a few times. Everyone who is running on any particular day is automatically accepted into “the group.” If you start a race, you are, automatically, part of the club.

Unlike other exercise groups, there is not a lot of special lingo, gear or rules that you need to memorize. You can just Forrest Gump your way into being part of the cool crowd. Just start run-ning.

Social interaction has grown to be a driving force in sticking to an exercise regimen for many people who just do not get that from the weekly visit to the gym. Group runs, relays, family runs and everything in between have made running very much inclusive where we find many other recreational exercises to be exclusive.

For Corey Chuhaloff, a seven -year competitive runner and a five year member of the Red Cross Rescue Racers, running is an outlet. Each run is a time for her to “evaluate my busy life.” She says that she runs with friends most of the time and that does not detract from her own personal goals.

Runners, typically, just want other runners to keep going. Unless they are actually racing. The supportive community at the organized events seems to be based around not only inclusion, but education, fellowship and, of course, sales.

Re-introducing the Relay for the full marathon attracted a wider demographic for participants says Stanton. The overall age range for the 5K, Relay, Half Marathon and full marathon range from kids to over 80 year old adults. Running has truly become a sport for all generations.

Why People Stop Running

We happen to be in the time of year when most people quit working out from their New Year’s resolutions. Runners who set out to hit the mileage marks this year have, most likely, long since quit.

Running is time consuming. Unlike those late-night television promises of “lose ten pounds in 30 minutes”, running is a time commitment. At least 30 minutes each run, but most runners have goals that will take over an hour at a time. Not exactly conducive for the busy lifestyle.

Weather is also a big quit factor. It is cold. It is hot. It is windy. It is raining. There are a lot of weather combinations that will keep you inside. Running takes commitment, and possibly some extra clothing, to make it a habit.

Injury is another reason people quit. Stretching and warming up is often over-looked by beginners. It is vitally important. From ankles, hips, knees, shins, feet and muscles, there are a lot of parts that need convincing that running is a good idea.

The “Phoebe-syndrome” is a very real obstacle for some would-be runners. Some people just look funny when they run. Unless you check your self-conscious at the door and run anyway, you probably will not enjoy feeling as funny as you look. Which presents another valid reason to quit.

Despite the vast reasons to never run, it would seem that the challenge of distance, possible obstacles and inclement weather are enough to keep us running for the thrill of it.

Chuhaloff ran three half marathons in three months and is now breaking into the triathlon races to reach the next level. She made a nationwide running group called the Half Fanatics and shows no signs of stopping. She is very much in the mindset of a competitor. Most importantly, she is competing with herself. She quoted “it is my run every run!”

The drive of runners like Stanton and Chuhaloff offer insight to the addictive qualities of running. As easy as it is to start, it is twice as easy to quit. Neither seem to have that word in their vocabulary.

If you feel the need to enjoy a breeze, unplug for a bit and just get your mind and body working together, running may be the answer. More and more people are finding that it offers more than just a free t-shirt and a medal. It is a sense of accomplishment. It is a sense of belonging. It is a sense of vitality.

This story was originally published March 2, 2016 at 10:00 AM with the headline "Grand Strand residents are Running Down A Dream."