Is running addicted to me?

Before I started running I heard a lot of people say that running is addictive, but is it really? I mean, one minute you're just trying to jog around the block without collapsing, and the next thing you know, you're signing up for a half marathon and thinking “How did this happen?” But hear me out: is it possible that running is actually addicted to us and we’re just innocent victims? haha Either way, let’s dive into why so many of us just can’t seem to stop once we start.

Running addiction isn't just something we joke about, there's actually science behind why some people might feel hooked on running. It all comes down to those feel-good chemicals like endorphins and endocannabinoids that get released during exercise (you can learn more about it checking the post “Is runner’s high really a thing”). You might have heard of the term “runner’s high.” It’s real! That post-run euphoria is like a reward your body gives you for pushing through a tough workout. It’s not all in your head (well, technically, it is) but it's also deeply rooted in your brain chemistry.

But it’s not just the science that makes running so captivating; it’s also the lifestyle and sense of accomplishment. Running has this amazing ability to make you feel strong, both mentally and physically. Each run feels like a mini victory, whether it’s crushing a new personal best, hitting a distance milestone, or even just getting out of the door when you’d rather stay in bed. It makes you feel unstoppable. So maybe that’s part of why we get so “addicted” to it, because we like that feeling of growth, both physically and mentally. It’s like a reward system that keeps on giving.

Personally, I didn’t plan on becoming a runner. In fact, in the beginning, I couldn't even run for more than a minute without gasping for breath and wondering how anyone could enjoy this torture! But slowly, it started to change. It became less about the struggle and more about the moments when I felt alive out there, just me and my thoughts. It’s like the more I ran, the more it became a part of me. The habit built itself, and now running is just something I do, like brushing my teeth or scrolling through Instagram before bed. It’s ingrained in my routine (which doesn’t mean I don’t struggle with it sometimes).

That’s another part of the “addiction.” Running builds habits. It becomes your “you” time, your daily dose of fresh air, stress relief, and mental clarity. The benefits stack up quickly, so it’s no wonder why we want to keep coming back for more. Once you start noticing how good you feel after a run, both physically and mentally, it’s hard to give that up. It becomes something you want to do, even on days when the couch looks super tempting.

But here’s the thing: is it really addiction, or is it just a healthy habit that gives back as much as you put in? Unlike unhealthy addictions, running generally enhances your life. It helps you stay fit, feel confident, and clears your mind. The only downside might be that you start to plan your weekends around long runs or get excited about buying new running shoes (because seriously, who doesn’t love a good pair of running shoes?).

Now, of course, there’s always the possibility of overdoing it. If you feel anxious or guilty about missing a run, or if you push through injuries just to keep logging miles, it might be time to reevaluate the balance. Running should be something that makes your life better, not something that takes it over entirely.

So, is running addictive? Maybe. Or maybe it’s just that once you feel the benefits you don’t want to stop. You start to crave that sense of accomplishment, that “me time,” and that burst of energy that comes after each run. At the end of the day, running might not be addictive in the same way chocolate or Netflix binges are, but it can definitely become a big part of your life, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. After all, if we’re all just victims of running’s addictive nature, I’m perfectly fine with that!

Let me know if you feel the same way. Has running “hooked” you too, or are you still figuring out if this is a relationship worth committing to?