I run because...
My best friend and I have come up with a few answers to this post topic. It's amazing to hear all of the variations to this statement. I've heard, "I run because..."
I run for a lot of reasons. Some I never even considered when I first started running. I began running last year because my mom started walking 5K's. I was telling my sidekick during our run on Thursday that I can remember major milestones. When I first started running 5K's I HATED training... I mean I absolutely despised having to put in the extra miles. I just wanted to run the races. Funny thing... like any sport, if you don't practice you'll never improve.
This year running took on a new meaning for me. I remember celebrating the first full mile I ran on the treadmill in January. Then the first time I ran three miles straight this past spring as I ran laps around the mall parking lot because the snow just wouldn't cooperate with my running plans! The first time I ran the full 5K race without walking or feeling like I might die before I reached the finish line. And each time I get out and run now I set new personal records... faster, farther, feeling better, recovering faster. It's amazing what you focus on as a positive!
The reason why I run varies from day to day. I know that if I'm having a bad day that a run will make almost all of it go away. I run because I'm frustrated. I run because I'm happy. I run because it's my day to run per my training plan. Sure... there are days I would rather say yes to some fun plans than go out and run, but I always feel great after a run. I no longer dread my training runs. I still get excited the most about the races, but I know that my race times won't improve if I don't put in the work.
This weekend is a huge milestone. My long run is 1 hour and 15 minutes. That will be the longest I have ever run. I walked/ran a 5 mile race last year and it took me 1 hour and 11 minutes. Last weekend I ran 6 miles in less time... a whole mile farther in five less minutes less!! I think that's what I'm finding so fun about running this year. It's a constant competition with myself.
This week also marks my first race since the end of June. I'm due! I'm itching for the feeling that only a race brings... the excitement, the butterflies, the anxiety (yes, I still even have anxiety over 5Ks! LOL). I've heard it's a hilly race... well, bring it on! I'm excited to see what my training has done for my time over the past two months.
With all that said, I have to say I'm shocked and excited by the number of people who have told me that they are inspired to run by my posts on Facebook and my blog posts here. What an amazing feeling. I love helping others and to know that just updating people on my progress motivates them to keep going... AWESOME!!! I'm also glad because I'm paying it forward. So many people have inspired me and motivated me this year. Without them I know I wouldn't even be attempting to run this half marathon in October. So, thank you!! Thank you for telling me your stories, pushing me, telling me to stop whining, reassuring me and for reading my updates. I'm constantly reminded that I have an awesome group of family, friends and followers!
- I can eat more.
- I can enjoy dessert.
- I can enjoy a beer.
- It eliminates my stress.
- I can!
- I enjoy it.
- It's a great stress reliever.
- It's freeing.
- I love the post run high.
- Someone said I couldn't.
I run for a lot of reasons. Some I never even considered when I first started running. I began running last year because my mom started walking 5K's. I was telling my sidekick during our run on Thursday that I can remember major milestones. When I first started running 5K's I HATED training... I mean I absolutely despised having to put in the extra miles. I just wanted to run the races. Funny thing... like any sport, if you don't practice you'll never improve.
This year running took on a new meaning for me. I remember celebrating the first full mile I ran on the treadmill in January. Then the first time I ran three miles straight this past spring as I ran laps around the mall parking lot because the snow just wouldn't cooperate with my running plans! The first time I ran the full 5K race without walking or feeling like I might die before I reached the finish line. And each time I get out and run now I set new personal records... faster, farther, feeling better, recovering faster. It's amazing what you focus on as a positive!
The reason why I run varies from day to day. I know that if I'm having a bad day that a run will make almost all of it go away. I run because I'm frustrated. I run because I'm happy. I run because it's my day to run per my training plan. Sure... there are days I would rather say yes to some fun plans than go out and run, but I always feel great after a run. I no longer dread my training runs. I still get excited the most about the races, but I know that my race times won't improve if I don't put in the work.
This weekend is a huge milestone. My long run is 1 hour and 15 minutes. That will be the longest I have ever run. I walked/ran a 5 mile race last year and it took me 1 hour and 11 minutes. Last weekend I ran 6 miles in less time... a whole mile farther in five less minutes less!! I think that's what I'm finding so fun about running this year. It's a constant competition with myself.
This week also marks my first race since the end of June. I'm due! I'm itching for the feeling that only a race brings... the excitement, the butterflies, the anxiety (yes, I still even have anxiety over 5Ks! LOL). I've heard it's a hilly race... well, bring it on! I'm excited to see what my training has done for my time over the past two months.
With all that said, I have to say I'm shocked and excited by the number of people who have told me that they are inspired to run by my posts on Facebook and my blog posts here. What an amazing feeling. I love helping others and to know that just updating people on my progress motivates them to keep going... AWESOME!!! I'm also glad because I'm paying it forward. So many people have inspired me and motivated me this year. Without them I know I wouldn't even be attempting to run this half marathon in October. So, thank you!! Thank you for telling me your stories, pushing me, telling me to stop whining, reassuring me and for reading my updates. I'm constantly reminded that I have an awesome group of family, friends and followers!
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