This is Running High, a newsletter about running, writing and searching in the Highlands of Scotland.
(Among a smattering of other things).
But mostly running.
It’s the most straightforward thing I do. It’s the most straightforward thing anyone can do: put some shoes on (or not) and just run.
Cliched, I know. But this essential simplicity is vital.
Life’s complicated, running’s not.
I’m not a lifelong runner. In fact, I can confidently say that for many years I didn’t run a single step for reason other than inebriation, mild fear, or blind panic.
I never saw the point, couldn’t understand why perfectly able bodied, young, athletic, attractive people would want to spend their time doing something so screamingly dull.
Running? Lol.
Is what I might have said, dismissively. (And ironically, of course).
But then came fatherhood (two boys - Cole (5), Nathan (3) - thanks for asking) and suddenly things I had done all my life seemed expensive, time consuming, and more than a bit egotistical.
So I decided to go for a run. I can’t remember where or how far, or even what I thought about it. Probably something along the lines of “well that was a bit shit, but at least it’ll do me some good.”
I certainly didn’t have any sort of epiphany. There was no blinding light.
But there was, over time, a kind of creeping joy.
There were moments of…
*cough*
…bliss?
There were times when I felt rushes of euphoria I’d only ever felt in brief moments through surfing, snowboarding, or chemicals.
And it wasn’t just in glimpses, sometimes it lasted for minutes. Sometimes it felt like the whole run.
Even the comedown was good!
And all from simply putting one foot. in front. of. the. other.
Mental.
This blog is my attempt to make sense of it all.
(Some people have a midlife crisis, others start an email newsletter).
Because we’re all a little lost, and sometimes you just need to run.
It’s just one foot in front of the other.
Come with me.