Why Run?

[Adam]

Honestly, how many times has someone asked you why you run? It's got to be more time than you can possibly count. It is that non-runners are the strange ones or is it us? I realized how much running hurts a few days ago after a hard workout and wondered why I enjoy something that hurts so much. Maybe we are just a little crazy to go out there at 4am and run 5 miles before work or plan family vacations around road race or swear off soft drinks and coffee. As runners, our lives and subculture is way different from the rest of society and I'm happy with that.

Anyways, back to my original question. Why do you run? Why put in 40 miles a week? Why wake up early on Sundays and put on your short shorts for a race you don't know if you can place in or not? Why spend more time choosing your newest shoe than you did on your last car?

My reasons:

-Running puts me out there in nature. I discover new places and go on all sorts of adventures.
-I often converse with God on morning runs. I ask for strength for the following day and attempt to figure out why things are happening in my life.
-Running is a semi-super power. To the non-runner we are amazing even on our easy days. Running is the closest we're ever going to get to flying and I can live with that.

[CanadianMeg]

I run because run time is my time. I'm a stay at home Mom to two kids (17 months and 4 years). When I go running, it's my time to clear my head, blow off stress and relax. I do find it relaxing even when it's a hard run or the conditions aren't optimal (like today when it's going to be about 10 or 12*C). I like the discipline of it. It's great exercise and my kids need to see that exercise is a priority. Besides, if I run, then I can race; I did my first 5K in August, have another this month and I love it!

[Heather!]

i run because, very simply, i can't not do it. it's more or less an addiction at this point. through hail, in the heat of the day, with hip pain, with pneumonia (though those were definitely not long runs)... running is really and truly the only thing that satisfies whatever it is inside.

that said, it's an amazing stress reliever, it's incredibly good for you, it makes those who can't run jealous... it just feels so good to get out and move your legs and make your heart pound and your lungs suck in air...

i also like that, even in a race, you're basically on your own. there's no team member to rely on. and yes, there are others that you may be competing with, but when it gets down to the nitty gritty, it's just you vs. you.

[Monica]

Everyday I don't run I feel miserable...I took an off day today and felt almost depressed...I'm addicted to the endorphins and the runners high I get. I love it when nonrunners call me crazy...it makes me want to run longer and harder because I know that I am doing something that so many other would never do. Running lets me clear my head, it builds my confidence, plus it makes my body look amazing. In short, running is the most amazing thing and it blows my mind that so many people refuse to try it.

[Andrew Chandler]

-I'm going to agree with you in terms of conversing with God. I do the same thing.
-I run because I was once obese and unhappy and running is my way of getting back healthy and happiness.
-No cell phones or computers or anything. For an hour. Its great.
-I love feeling good. I love the confidence it gives me.

[anitarun]

i never asked myself why i ran... until i couldn´t do it.
last year i spent 8 months with a severe injury, plus 3 more months recovering... and during that period i had plenty of time to figure out the real reason i was out the door every morning, for some many years, no matter what the weather.
i run because i love it
i run because running defines who i am
i run because no matter what problems i have, it makes me feel better
i run because it makes me feel good
i run because it makes me happy
i run because i love to race
i run because it gives me "me-time"
i run because it´s a challenfge
and now i run because i can do it again!

[bryan]

i run for several main reasons. first is to escape everything that could make my day the same as the one before it, no two runs are the same. next is to relax my mind from what i've heard in a meeting or what may come from such information, while i'm running i'm alone with myself and i can hear myself better. i run because i am addicted to the feeling i get three miles into a 9 miler, i was addicted to smoking and i have traded up to a better healthier high. lastly i run because as a child i always marveled at the super-beings i saw in their peachtree road race t-shirts and when i woke up at 35 and was sore for no good reason i decided if i was going to be sore, there would be a good reason, i was going to earn the badge that i thought so highly of as a kid.

[Tommy Heikkinen]

For me, running started as a way to get in shape for soccer, way back 5 years ago when I started. It slowly changed into a habit, from a habit to an addiction and from an addiction to what defines me. Ask anyone I know about me the first thing that would come to mind would be running. Off days are easy, they don't hurt. So why run? Because without that pain I feel less alive.

[Mississippi]

I run because it makes me happy and on some days it's the only peace and quiet I get. When I run I'm able to think through all the things going on at home (four evil children) or at work (hectic full time job) and it helps me to deal with them better. I also enjoy the social part of running, heading out for a long run with friends is a great way to spend a weekend morning. Racing feeds my competitive side, and I'm thrilled that I still have that side after all the years I took off from running.

[Kelly]

oooh, I like that semi-super power. That is so true! I was talking to some coworkers and said "yeah I ran in a quick mile race this weekend". And their jaws dropped. It was only one mile and it was down hill and they all still said they couldn't do it. I'm new but that made me feel in shape, kinda super power-y. Nice.

And, I run for my mom. It makes me feel more connected with her. She can't run any more but I can. And I'm getting better, I think she'd be proud.


Oh and I love to eat, and running lets me burn calories and eat whatever I want. (I am the worst eater, ever).