Running: A Completely Different Type Of High

Many of you know how much I love fitness and staying fit. You also know how I like natural highs.

On this day, April 20th (4/20) , it is a celebration of a common way of getting high: through smoking marijuana. I don't drink , smoke or use any recreational drugs or herbs so this day isn't that significant to me there.

Now if you mention the high I get from working out, especially running, well that's a horse of a different color.

I started running as a teenager when I played high school football. My adulthood found me rediscovering running in my early 30s.  I even ran my first race five years ago, the 10K at the South Carolina Peach Festival in Gaffney, SC. I have registered for several other races since, including the infamous Cooper River Bridge Run in Charleston, SC.

However, when my fitness level declined and I couldn't find anyone to run with or any good routes, I gave it up for a while. Until last year that is.

Thanks to the new fitness scene I was introduced to in Spartanburg and Rock Hill, specifically my running club, Run The Rock, I got back into running. It has been quite a rush. Last year, I began running long distances again and decided I wanted to go beyond a 10K. I wanted to train for and run a half marathon (13.1 miles). I knew it would take time, discipline, support, and training but I was up for the challenge. I trained for over six months and kept improving my hydration, quickness and endurance.

This past weekend at The Come See Me Festival in Rock Hill, SC, I ran my first half. Despite wet conditions, I ran a personal best, 2 hours and 14 minutes. Not too shabby for my first go round. My runner high is way up there currently. I wasn't concerned about time, but I wanted to be prepared and have a good pace. Everything lined up together and went well for my first half marathon. Now I plan to run another one in a few months, and hopefully a marathon (26.2 miles) by next year.

When I run, my mind feels at ease. I may ache later in my arms and legs but during my runs, I feel a sense of peace and a rush. I love tracking my times and pace and setting personal bests and taking on challenging trails and routes. It is such an addiction. I once heard that if I run one race, I will want to run regularly. This is true in my case, although I intend to continue a balance exercise regimen where I will not abandon strength and resistance training.

I feel blessed to be able to run long distances without stopping. I started on country roads as a teen, put in work on treadmills, and have built my way up. I still remember the days where I couldn't even run one mile. Obviously I feel extremely humbled and I look for continued progress.

Thanks to all of my friends, family, workout partners, trainers and coaches for the support. There would be no me without all of you.

To my fellow runners, do you feel running is like a vice or an addiction? Do you also experience runner's high?

Why I hate marijuana

Marijuana is a very controversial topic, whether be the usage of it, or the question of legalizing it. I have been exposed to it all my life, whether be through others using it in my presence or family dealing it and consequently getting incarcerated.  Therefore, I have a firm grasp on weed, ganja, chronic, 4:20/ etc, etc.  I've even tried weed, and have caught a few contact buzzes from my brother and cousins.  However, I hate the drug, and wish that folks would see it for what it truly is.

And yes it is a drug ladies and gentlemen.

Just because its an herb,a plant from cannabis that is grown from the earth does not exempt it from being a drug, or certainly being addictive.  Anything can have the effects of a drug such as heroin, xanax, and meth.  This even includes sweet foods, chocolate, sugar, coffee, etc., or even habits such as gambling or porn.  Marijuana may not be a drug in the conventional or traditional sense. But it is still widely illegal and more dangerous than some of the drugs and vices I previously mentioned.

We have all heard the term that marijuana is a gateway drug, leading to the harder stuff such as the crack, X, meth, and so forth. It is so much more than that though. I've seen folks get angry and dang near violent when they can't score any weed after so long.  They forget about nearly everything else, and the pot has overtaken their body and mind in a negative fashion. I believe in herbs and many organic substances. However, your conventional herb is not supposed to do this. And folks try and tell me with a straight face that weed is not addictive.  Please!!!

I've seen marijuana make folks go completely broke, ruin lives, careers, corrupt minds, and simply cause more harm than good. Granted medicinal marijuana has been known to cure glaucoma and calm and balance the nerves.  However, it is extremely recreational, and "potheads" and "stoners" go to greater lengths to get it because of its rarity.  It's simple economics really.  Similar to a hot toy around Christmas that is hard to find. It's appeal and elusiveness increase its value.  Retailers and weed dealers alike know this. 

These are my views based on personal experience and careful observation. If you feel the need to go smoke your joint or blunt, go ahead. But do not try to justify what you're doing with flawed, circular arguments. At day's end, marijuana is a drug in every sense that a substance can be one.  There is no logical way you can tell me different. 

Think about that the next time your gas tank is on E and you spent your last $10 on a dime bag.  And it is wintertime also. Well, at least your supply can keep your warm. That is, until you run out or the police catch you. You then have a possession charge on your record, with possible jail time.

Hope that was a good herbal essence, that is all for now

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