As runners, we all have moments when we are reminded of why we run. This blog is about the things that make me say: "This is why I run". After running for several years, I have finally come to look for and appreciate these special moments. I share these in my blog, to inspire others to run or help other runners reach that point where running is not just a workout but also an enjoyable part of their day.
Lots of reasons! I started running 7 years ago to lose weight and improve my health. After losing 50 pounds, I started running races and got hooked. I keep it up because I feel so good (afterwards!) and feel blah if I don't for a couple days. I get a sense of accomplishment from pushing myself and reaching new goals (time and/or distance). I figure if I keep it up I can slow down the effects of aging a little bit (for a while!). Being a little compulsive/stubborn, running seems a good fit as it takes commitment. And, maybe best of all, I get to meet new friends, like Tommy & Christina!
I started running in 1980 to stay in shape after I stopped playing basketball. I chose running over sports à la mode back then like racquetball, squash or tennis because my father had been running for many years and every time he came back from a run, he looked so relaxed and content. My first step toward becoming a runner was to sign up with the same running club (Coeur à Tout) my father belonged to (the only one at the time). We would meet every Monday night and over 50 runners warmed up together and then split in smaller groups according to level of fitness and pace for a run. The rest of the week, I ran by myself. After all those years, I still run for the health benefits and once in a while, I challenge myself to a 10k, half or full marathon. I run because:
• It gives me energy for the whole day • My father was my role model and it keeps me close to him • I feel like I own the town at 5 in the morning • My running partner and I can say anything we want during our runs (free therapy!!) • It keeps me younger • It controls my stress • I want to be a role model for my children • It is a way to meditate • I can do it anywhere • It helps me to keep up with students I work with • I am a runner
It was about a year ago that my cell phone rang - my aunt (who lives in Caledon, ON) was calling. Given that it was late in the afternoon, I thought it was a bit unusual that she was calling, but I didn't think too much about it. It had been a really busy day at work and I hadn't been paying attention to the news (aka, surfing the internet). It also happened to be the 3rd Monday in April - Patriot's Day - the traditional day of the running of the Boston Marathon.
My aunt was calling to find out if I was OK. I was puzzled by her question - I was feeling fine and told her so. Then she asked if I was in Boston. Now I was really puzzled - I was sitting in my office in Gaithersburg, MD. I said no - I told her that I was at home in Maryland. She sounded relieved. And then she told me about the bombings at the Boston Marathon. Later that day, other family members called me (or called my parents) to find out if I was OK. They were under the impression that I was running Boston.
I've been running since the 1990s - I remember entering my first 10K because it was for a charity fundraiser. That led to another 10K, and a few 5Ks. At the time, I never really took running seriously. But soon I started entering longer distance races, finally leading up to my first marathon that I ran in pouring rain. Other races followed, including a 200 mile relay race through New Hampshire (absolute bliss - and the most fun I've ever had) and the New York City Marathon (absolute misery - food poisoning and intense heat conspired against me). I was never particularly fast or competitive as a runner, but in my family, I became known as "the runner". So I guess I shouldn't have been surprised that people were calling to find out if I was in Boston that day.
I used to run just for exercise and for the excuse to eat whatever I wanted. But now I run for different reasons. I run because it challenges both my mind and body. I run because someday I may not be able to run (and I don't want that day to come anytime soon). I run because I know that others can't run (for various reasons, including failing health, lack of time, lack of [running] space). And now I run with the goal that someday, I can qualify for and run Boston (if I do make it into Boston, I'll definitely be a squeaker - see the Washington Post link below).
Lots of reasons! I started running 7 years ago to lose weight and improve my health. After losing 50 pounds, I started running races and got hooked. I keep it up because I feel so good (afterwards!) and feel blah if I don't for a couple days. I get a sense of accomplishment from pushing myself and reaching new goals (time and/or distance). I figure if I keep it up I can slow down the effects of aging a little bit (for a while!). Being a little compulsive/stubborn, running seems a good fit as it takes commitment. And, maybe best of all, I get to meet new friends, like Tommy & Christina!
ReplyDeleteHere's a story from someone else:
Deletehttp://theoatmeal.com/comics/running
I started running in 1980 to stay in shape after I stopped playing basketball. I chose running over sports à la mode back then like racquetball, squash or tennis because my father had been running for many years and every time he came back from a run, he looked so relaxed and content. My first step toward becoming a runner was to sign up with the same running club (Coeur à Tout) my father belonged to (the only one at the time). We would meet every Monday night and over 50 runners warmed up together and then split in smaller groups according to level of fitness and pace for a run. The rest of the week, I ran by myself. After all those years, I still run for the health benefits and once in a while, I challenge myself to a 10k, half or full marathon.
ReplyDeleteI run because:
• It gives me energy for the whole day
• My father was my role model and it keeps me close to him
• I feel like I own the town at 5 in the morning
• My running partner and I can say anything we want during our runs (free therapy!!)
• It keeps me younger
• It controls my stress
• I want to be a role model for my children
• It is a way to meditate
• I can do it anywhere
• It helps me to keep up with students I work with
• I am a runner
Martine Leblanc
It was about a year ago that my cell phone rang - my aunt (who lives in Caledon, ON) was calling. Given that it was late in the afternoon, I thought it was a bit unusual that she was calling, but I didn't think too much about it. It had been a really busy day at work and I hadn't been paying attention to the news (aka, surfing the internet). It also happened to be the 3rd Monday in April - Patriot's Day - the traditional day of the running of the Boston Marathon.
ReplyDeleteMy aunt was calling to find out if I was OK. I was puzzled by her question - I was feeling fine and told her so. Then she asked if I was in Boston. Now I was really puzzled - I was sitting in my office in Gaithersburg, MD. I said no - I told her that I was at home in Maryland. She sounded relieved. And then she told me about the bombings at the Boston Marathon. Later that day, other family members called me (or called my parents) to find out if I was OK. They were under the impression that I was running Boston.
I've been running since the 1990s - I remember entering my first 10K because it was for a charity fundraiser. That led to another 10K, and a few 5Ks. At the time, I never really took running seriously. But soon I started entering longer distance races, finally leading up to my first marathon that I ran in pouring rain. Other races followed, including a 200 mile relay race through New Hampshire (absolute bliss - and the most fun I've ever had) and the New York City Marathon (absolute misery - food poisoning and intense heat conspired against me). I was never particularly fast or competitive as a runner, but in my family, I became known as "the runner". So I guess I shouldn't have been surprised that people were calling to find out if I was in Boston that day.
I used to run just for exercise and for the excuse to eat whatever I wanted. But now I run for different reasons. I run because it challenges both my mind and body. I run because someday I may not be able to run (and I don't want that day to come anytime soon). I run because I know that others can't run (for various reasons, including failing health, lack of time, lack of [running] space). And now I run with the goal that someday, I can qualify for and run Boston (if I do make it into Boston, I'll definitely be a squeaker - see the Washington Post link below).
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2013/04/15/if-you-are-losing-faith-in-human-nature-go-out-and-watch-a-marathon/