On Running and Gaming: Intersections and Reflections

This is going to be a bit different than the usual blog post from me.

I wanted to speak about, and in support of, games.

This post is also a reflection about our recently passed companion, Toby.

This *is* a running blog though, so I wanted to explore how both games and running  (more specifically trail running) bring positive aspects to our lives, and how these two hobbies are more similar than they initially appear.

I'd like to introduce you to Iburninate:

He's my main on World of Warcraft, a popular multiplayer online game. He looks a lot like other characters I've created in the past. My first character in my first multiplayer game (MapleStory), MaleDudeMan, was a warrior with blue spiked hair. And it's significant to note that I named and created him, a male character with that name, before I was out as transgender - and in fact before I even knew that transgender was a thing!

So what am I getting at? Point one of games - they allow us to reinvent ourselves in ways that are not always possible in our daily lives. This is part of the huge appeal of games, and while it's billed as a bad thing, it isn't necessarily - it can be a healthy outlet for self -expression. This was well-illustrated in the recent popular movie Ready Player One.

Furthermore, beyond self-expression, games offer experiences and environments that are not always available in real life. If you refer back to the previous photo, you will see the mountains in the background  where I'm flying on the bird. It feels a little bit like this:

In case that wasn't clear from the photos, exploring the World of Warcraft is a bit like running on a soft aspen-lined trail until you get gorgeous mountain views. In fact, when properly engaging the core muscles, sitting up and gaming is about as difficult and tiring as running as long. But I digress. My point is, not everyone has the access nor the ability to run through the mountains and float on the trails. I'm thankful every day that I have both good physical health and the blessing to live near the mountains. But not everyone has this, and games are a way for some people to experience this sense of adventure and exploration.

Games also allow us to create goals and sub-goals, and fulfill those goals. In other words, they help teach the process of success.

I have goals in running. As an example, I want to run a sub-4 hour Pikes Peak Ascent. Some relevant sub-goals may include attending group speedwork weekly with the Incline club, timing my splits on Barr Trail and focusing on segments to improve, etc. In gaming, sub-goals must often be met before a larger goal can be achieved. This can help teach the ability to prioritize. For a simple example, a quest chain might he required to attain a new piece of armor, so the gamer will have to prioritize quests that give the greatest gear boost.

Games aren't always about escaping reality, either. Sometimes they allow us to connect to our daily lives in different ways. Sadly, we recently had to put down our dog, Toby. The evening after the decision and comforting my kids, I was completing some quests on my warrior. And nearing the end of the quest chain, our ally Rexxar loses his companion wolf.

Needless to say, I felt like this quest was meant to happen. I felt connected to what Rexxar was going through. Games can reflect reality in surprising ways, and this can help process situations and emotions that we experience in our real lives.

Floating down Barr Trail, flying through the skies in Warcraft - both can be experiences that enhance our lives overall. Of course, I would be remiss to not mention that both running and gaming can be overused. I tend to notice that when I spend too long on a game, I get diminishing returns of satisfaction. And as an adult with a family and responsibilities, I can't spend excessive time on either of my hobbies. Life is better lived with moderation. My exception for this is Sunday mornings, when I get to indulge a little in running - usually I run for about 4 to 5 hours, sometimes more or less, but it's always an opportunity to go forth into my week with a renewed attitude. Games can likewise provide a new mindset for life! The key is to incorporate gaming as a healthy hobby in a multifaceted life.