Run Time: 40 minutes Run Distance: 4 miles
It is either the greatest question you can ask a runner or the most dreaded question by runners. "Why do you run?" Most of the time it is asked in a sarcastic way . And usually the runner will have a long explanation in their head that can't translate into words. It is hard to explain to someone who doesn't run. But here goes my explanation:
I run because first of all it keeps me in shape. But that is only the outer shell to why I run. There are dozens of things that I could do to stay in shape but I continue to run. I run because it opens my pores. It makes me feel like I'm on an adventure. I get to explore and challenge myself in a way that I am not challenged anywhere else. I am able to push my limits. I am able to clear my head. I can feel the rhythm of my body as it charges forward and I can zone out if I want to. I can also be totally tuned in to my body and the way that it moves, pushing it further than it has gone before. Listening to the light tap of my toes on the ground and trying hard to make that tap quicker. Feeling the fresh air open up my lungs on a beautiful day. Running past the trees that have beautiful wood and flower smells to them. Running past the little kids playing baseball outside or seeing a father teach his kid how to ride a bike. You get to see a quick glimpse into the lives of the people in the areas that your run. Feeling the cool sweat on the back of your neck when your finish a run. Knowing that the next time you run, it will be a whole new experience.
Now it's your turn...why do you run? I know I'm not the only one who is asked this!
October in Review
1 day ago
4 comments:
Wow. That is a great question. To be honest, I have never really thought about it. I guess I started running to lose weight. Lost the weight--still running. I run now to:
feel alive
stay young
set an example
It is also the only thing I have that is truly just for me. My only real break from the hustle and bustle of work and family.
ohhhhh... the dreaded question!! Like you I have a long explanation in my head that I can't really translate, I actually think a lot about it and always say to myself 'I'll make a post about this!', but I've never managed to put it to words.
The easy answer (that one I usually give) is 'because I can'. I love the feeling of running long distances, a year ago I would think that it was impossible for me to run 5k, and now being able to run more than 20 is a great feeling, but that's only a part of it.
I really like and relate to some of the reasons why you run, and I promise I will make a post about it once I can take it to words.
I run because I'm a masochist. j/k.
I love the way I feel afterwards. I know that I've done something great for my body and mind and it's very gratifying. And I think it's only going to get better as I improve...oh, and after I find my groove outside as opposed to on the treadmill. I'm really looking forward to that. :)
I like that I am doing something good for myself. Also, I am competitive with myself...I love seeing the improvement I am making.
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