Pavlov's Theory for Runners

Pavlov’s theory says that if you reward a particular behavior of an organism repeatedly, the organism will be more likely to perform said behavior. Simple as that. And from my experience, it seems to work with most things. Why, then, does Pavlov’s theory not apply to running in subfreezing temperatures? It feels good every time that I do it, and I have never regretted going for a run (except for the time that I tried it after nachos, wings, and two beers). Yet, when I got home from class today, I spent half an hour moping around on the floor thinking about why running would be such a horrible idea. Surely, my time would be better spent cooking meatloaf or taking a bath. After all, it was probably 20 degrees outside and it was dark. And I had a really long day. I deserved to mope around on the floor. Besides, running at night sounded very dangerous. I sighed because I knew that the last excuse didn’t count—I wear a headlamp when I run at night to ensure any passerbys that I am indeed a nutcase. Nope, you don’t want to mess with me! I’ve got mace in my pocket and a knife up my sleeve. And you couldn’t have possibly missed the blaring light shining straight out from my forehead.

Yea, you could say I’m a seasoned runner. I’ve seen it all, from sweltering ninety degree days to the subarctic temperatures of Southeastern Michigan. And I enjoy it every time. Catching a fresh of breath air and catching your breath after a good run is always a good idea. Why, then, was Pavlov not doing the trick tonight?

It’s this dang program. I’m two days into the semester and EXHAUSTED. And my neighbors above me play some stupid “Time To Stomp Around” game above my bed every night when I’m trying to sleep. And it’s already dark every time that I get out of class. See, there I go again. Complaining instead of doing the one thing that I know will cheer me up right now.

That’s it. I’m starting a training program. It’s called the SMAC Down Shape Up. And it starts tonight.