Why I love to Run
Recently a friend asked me why I like to run. This got me thinking about why I started and how there are many more reasons why I continue now. Two years ago I wanted to start running so I could do the Hot Chocolate Run in town. I had started and stopped couch to 5K programs multiple times that year, never getting very far into the program. Life always seemed to get in the way and it was easy to come up with excuses. I never got around to signing up for the race and by race time I wasn’t prepared anyway. Now it was winter, it was the holidays, and I didn’t belong to a gym anymore. So the most active I was for the next few months was when I was shoveling. By the end of the winter, it was clear I was going to have to do something, otherwise I’d have to buy a new wardrobe. Everything was tight.
So that was my big motivator. And my goal was to be able to do the Hot Chocolate Run that year. I was determined not to give up this time. I started another couch to 5K program (again) in April. Slow going at first, but I kept at it. By July, I started putting my training plan on my calendar and that helped me be more consistent. I also noticed around that same time, I started loosing some weight. Then finally by August I was able to run 30 minutes without stopping. This was a huge milestone. Running got a lot more fun after that point. Sort of spur of the moment, I signed up for the Smith College Fall Fit 5K, a low key local race. I could do the distance and thought it would take the pressure off the Hot Chocolate Run in December. I only told a couple people I was doing it, still doubting myself. But I finished it and didn’t feel like I was going to die at the end either.
I continued running through the fall using a beginner 5K program, though weekly miles were only about 8 each week. It felt so good to finally be able to do the Hot Chocolate Run. I improved my time by 2 1/2 minutes and was thrilled. But soon after the race, my runs dropped to about 1 a week. I guess I really needed a future race to keep me motivated. In January, I signed up for my first 10K and started a 10K training plan to get ready. And that’s when I really started to get into running and was looking forward to a lifetime of running.
So here is why I like to run.
• I can eat more pie.
• I enjoy the feeling of running as fast as I can.
• My body doesn’t jiggle as much as it used to.
• It’s fun to push my body further than it’s ever gone before.
• I have better endurance so I can go on longer bike rides.
• I’m discovering lots of interesting podcasts such as 4 Feet Running, The Runners Round Table and Run Run Live.
• I love data, and there are lots of numbers I can collect from my runs. Too much fun.
• It’s a great, portable workout I can take anywhere I travel.
• I like to motivate others to be active.
• I actually enjoy being outside now, even when it’s raining. But I still don’t like wind.
• Running gives me a chance to see a lot more of my town and neighborhood than I would see otherwise.
• It makes me feel better when I’m angry or frustrated or sad.
• It’s a great way to enjoy my favorite fast and loud music.
• When I run first thing in the morning, I feel so much better about my day.
• It makes me feel strong.
• It makes me happy.
And I plan to continue to run well into my 80s.
Comments
3 Comments on Why I love to Run
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Chris on
Fri, 17th Jul 2009 9:08 pm
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melissaknits on
Sun, 19th Jul 2009 12:43 pm
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Lisa on
Thu, 23rd Jul 2009 8:40 am
Dena-I LOVE your post on WHY you run. Everyone has different motivations I’m fascinated to find out WHY people run-marathons, utltras, tri, or even just running in the neighborhood.
I TOO am discovering different podcasts-Extra Mile, 4 feet, RRT, RRL, Phedipidations, and so much more!
I like how you listed ALL the reasons that came to mind, becuause there’s rarely just ONE reason we run-I like the way it makes me feel, but I also like to be a role model for my sun.
I like that pie is the first reason.
Love your post. I’m not sure why I enjoy running but it has become a habit, one that I am finding difficult to break (and maybe that is a good thing!).
