Why I Run

You've probably ready lots of posts about why people run.  I won't I say I am any different then any other obsessed runner, but I felt the need for some self-reflection as to why I do this.  As a runner, it's really not hard to understand why we do what we do, but to non-runners it can be difficult to appreciate.  So here is my attempt:

I run because it makes me feel alive.  There is the anticipation before the run, the peace and often times exhilaration during the run, the satisfaction and relief immediately post run and best of all, the knowledge that you can change your outlook, your attitude and your mental state, by simply changing clothes, putting on your running shoes and walking out the door.  It works almost every time and for me, even after 30 plus years of running, the rewards keep getting bigger and better.

I love the planning.  There is little else more rewarding than setting a goal and mapping out how I'm going to get there.  Looking at what has worked in the last cycle and scrapping the rest.  What else in your life do you have that much control?  

I run with others, because almost without exception, runners are great people.  A little goofy, but great.

I run challenge myself, to push myself to the limits both mentally and physically.  The pressures of work, family and life in general seem easier to handle when you stretch yourself during a marathon training cycle.

I love feeling fit.  I thinks it's cool that my resting heart race can get down to 40!  Sure, there are numerous reports about endurance training is bad for you, but I can find just as many stating the opposite.  I think it's cool that I am the same waist size and weight that I was when I was 18.

I love to eat after running.  I can't describe how much better everything tastes after a great run.  It's truly remarkable.

Running helps me forget how old I am.  The expression about age is only a number, is really true for runners.  

Then there are the more irrational, harder to explain aspects of why we run.  How do you tell someone that you actually enjoy the pain post marathon.  There comes with it some odd satisfaction when you can't pick yourself off the ground after sitting after a race.  Its bordering on a mental disorder!  There also becomes a lack of balance to ones life.  How do you explain that I want to push myself to run 100 miles per week, 10 times per week and pass on other hobbies or activities.  When I find another hobby that gives back as much as running, I will sign up.  Until then, I will continue to run.

Happy Running,

Rick