WHY WE RUN
BY Elli Smith
Holiday season allows time for reflection. Work slows down for many as the festive season speeds up. Many return home to family and friends.
What is often the focus are the things that really matter - reconnecting with them. Putting them back at the centre.As a business, the centre of everything we do is running like the world depends on it. And sometimes the rigours of the start-up world get in the way of the essence of our business. Running. Too much time at the desk. Not enough on the road.
We asked members of the hylo team one simple question: why do you run?
Jake
I run because I love it - it’s as simple as that! My motivation is enjoyment. For me, it is the perfect way to destress whilst also keeping fit. I tend to not think about too much when I run, as I find it clears my mind, but afterwards, I always feel a sense of achievement. I like to challenge myself by changing up my routes and running across new terrains. Pushing myself as hard and far as I can is all part of the fun bringing friends along adds to the enjoyment.
Jorma
I run because it clears my head, it makes me feel great knowing I’m doing right by my body and mind. Sometimes running isn’t easy, it feels like a slog but it’s all about consistency. Building on that consistency makes running feel good especially when it's in a community atmosphere. Post run always feels great, heart pumping, legs tired and ready for refuelling.
Jacob
Days and weeks are busy. The busy-ness builds up in the mind, in the body. But mostly the mind. Running clears that away. The longer the run the clearer the mind. The harder the route the clearer the mind. Long hard running. But, sometimes short and easy has to do.
Nat
I run for mental clarity and my physical health. I often use running as a way of releasing any angst or pent-up energy. Setting the time aside means that in that half an hour I have nothing else to do but think, process and prioritise, meaning I usually return with a clear mind and improved mindset. Making sure that I run during my week gives me some structure and routine that I can rely on when things get busy or hectic. If I skip a week or two, my mind but also body feels it. So I know that it’s something I need to be consistent with.
Ben
I run because when i don't, I miss it. And I noticed that a couple of years ago. I use it as a kickstart to my day, to break up a hard day's work or to switch off in the evening. I'm not consistent and I don't necessarily love each run - but each one serves a purpose. I don't really think while I'm out - I don't use it for clarity or to solve a problem and I don't generally aim for anything. But if I don't do it, I feel worse for it. It's aimless but it's purposeful.
Adam
I run because I realised how important it is, not just for my physical health but for my mental health too. I use it as an escape - I don’t listen to anything, so most of the time I switch off and zone out completely. I’ve had my fair share of runs that I don’t enjoy, but the more I’ve run, the less I feel like collapsing afterwards. I’m competitive, so I like the challenge of getting my times lower, and my pace faster.
