THE IMPORTANCE OF RUNNING.
With the upcoming Prayer Run (have you registered yet?), the PITU Youth Program wanted to share how running is more than just exercise. Movement can be a powerful way to nurture yourself and your community, and running connects to physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.
Running has always been a part of Native American customs, promoting physical health, mental clarity, and building a strong spirit. Running embodies the spirit of a warrior, not in the way warriors have been illustrated in movies or history books but rather in the context of a warrior being strong in mind, body, and spirit – someone who helps their community, respects their culture, and lives with purpose.
Running affects all of the following:
Physical: Whether it’s just a few minutes or a few miles, running strengthens the body, improves cardiovascular health, and builds muscle while increasing endurance.
Mental: Running releases endorphins, creating a sense of happiness, relief of stress, and the ability focus on the present and find solutions to problems.
Emotional: Physical movement, such as running, has a positive impact on emotions, by calming the mind and body, helping to reduce anxiety and depression, promoting a sense of achievement, and boosting your confidence and self-esteem.
Spiritual: For many Native American communities, running has a deep spiritual meaning. It is often seen as a way to connect with ancestors, honor the land, and maintain balance within oneself. Running can be a form of prayer, such as the upcoming Prayer Run, a personal journey to find harmony and a connection to mother earth.
Now lace up your mocs (shoes) and take the first step toward a healthier, happier you.
Did you know? “Warrior” in Paiute is Su-itsum-pa’-a. Most warriors had to be runners to provide vital information from one band or group of people to the other.