Does running relieve stress?

Does running relieve stress for you?  For me, it does.  That is one of the reasons that enjoy doing this run streak.  Due to the temperatures for my area, I have been running on the treadmill.  Normally I wouldn't like doing this but it has been quite beneficial to me.  Let me explain.  Normally when I take the time off toward the end of the year like I did last year, I usually always struggle with trying to get my breathing rhythm back.  Being on the treadmill I am able to do that.  I can keep the pace constant where as outside you are not able to.  So I have noticed a big difference in my breathing when I am able to go outside.  So the last time that I blogged I have completed 3 more runs. 

I just published a post in regards to my run today so there are still 3 more that I would like to share with you.  On Thursday I just felt like going out without having a set number of miles to run so I made my mind up to run at least a mile and anything after that would be fine.  I had a slight lapse in judgement when dressing for the gym that morning and I dressed in shorts. Which normally wouldn't be an issue but I forgot to put on chaffing cream.  How I managed to do this with my issues with chaffing in the past I don't know.  Anyway, I decided that I would run as far as I could.  So you can imagine the disappointment when I realized that I forgot the chaffing cream because I was really wanting to go further than a 5k that day but I still did my miles.  I can't complain there. 

Below is my 5k run.  It wasn't my best but at the time I was just excited to be able to run.  I have learned that it isn't all about the tim but about enjoying doing what you love.

 

Just like on Thursday, I went out on Friday and chose to run at least a mile. Then whatever I did after that I would be happy with.  So I hopped on the treadmill and just ran. Below is the result and I do ha

 

My next run was on Saturday with the Mach Tenn Running Club.  I have learned one thing from doing this run streak.  It has taken a lot out of me and I need more rest.  That is what I failed to do for my run Saturday and my performance suffered.  I just couldn't get my rhythm going and then I had knee issues for whatever reason but still even after all that.  I had a good run.  I am improving everytime I get out to run and on my long runs, I am still doing better than what I was doing when I was running my half marathons last year.  So far this year has been wonderful with my running and can't wait to see what else it has in store for me.