Dreams about running deal with one of three things: being pursued, being in pursuit, or running just to be running. For the sake of simplicity I'll lump in running because we are late with being in pursuit of something (a perceived deadline) or if you prefer we can make that a fourth reason for dream running. When running in a dream we are running under stress or for the elation of the freedom of running.
Running can mean many things to the dreamer. In order to understand your own dream about running you might examine the reason you are running in the dream and what that situation has to do with anything in your waking life. Then you should consider how the running in the dream makes you feel. You might be scared, angry, or even having fun as you play a running game. Running in pursuit or being pursued would either usually relate to achieving something or avoiding something. Your own analysis can bring you closer to figuring out why you are running for either of these reasons.
If you are running just for the fun and exhilaration then you might be longing for a sense or freedom from some physically or emotionally constraining aspect of your life. When I am running in this manner in a dream I feel like I am younger and in terrific shape. I can do things in the dream that I cannot do in my actual life and I awaken from the dream feeling a sense of well-being and strength.
The negative effect of running in a dream might be rapid heartbeat, sweating, or nervousness. If this is a recurring event of your sleep then perhaps you should consult with your physician.
If you experience running in your dream, what is it in the dream that is happening during these episodes? Are you a runner in waking life? Is there a health or physical condition that prevents you from running in waking life?
I used to have dreams that I was running to catch my bus...which was something I actually had to do every day when I worked in San Francisco. My bus was several blocks away and I had limited time to get there so I ran, often against the lights, dodging cars and bike messengers. Then at night I'd relive it, except in my dreams, my legs were like lead. I would stumble and be unable to put one foot in front of the other. The only way I could run was if I did it on all fours like an animal, then I would gallop quickly down the streets. It's always like that in my dreams with running, I can only do it on all fours. I wonder why that is?
ReplyDeleteA few weeks ago I had a dream of running like I used to do when I was younger. I recall waking up longing to be able to run, which I can't because of bad knees.
ReplyDeleteLovely R thank you Arlee! I can't recall a running dream right now. I often walk in my dreams. Yes, as a younger woman I used to run and loved it. But before I let that memory run away with me, I'll bid adieu.
ReplyDeleteoooh...I hate those ones! I sometimes dream of being pursued, and sometimes I not only have to run but swim, which is wierd because I don't really know how to swim! In my dreams I'm always a good swimmer and often dream about swimming or water, which is also bizarre since I live about as far away from an ocean as you can get. I also dream of being late for work quite often, and in those dreams I am not only late but have also forgotten something important, like my badge. Not surprising, I guess since my work is completely dependant upon time. Interesting topic!
ReplyDeleteI sometimes dream about being pursued, and often I have to not only run but swim, which is odd because I don't really know how to swim. In my dreams I'm always a good swimmer and quite often dream of swimming and water even though I live about as far away from the ocean as you can get. I often dream of being late for work, and in those dreams I have always forgotten something important like my badge. I guess that's to be expected since my job relies completely on time. Great topic!
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