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Why I Run..

Miles Upon Miles Upon Miles? Some people run for charity, while others run for exercise, to make friends, to accomplish a goal or even for fun. Well  I've discovered I run for three big reasons...

Bragging Rights

One of the coolest things about training for a marathon is being able to say, I ran 30 miles last week. Well I can't officially say that as my training came up a little short last week BUT I can say I ran 26.5 miles last week. I guess that means I ran a marathon. I could check it off my bucket list! Ha, I don't think that qualifies for the 26.2 magnet that I am looking forward to slapping on the back of my vehicle in October.

So for those of you who have to see my Facebook feed on a daily basis, I truly apologize; but seriously it is fun to let the world know that I just finished a seven mile run, or twenty mile bike ride. It truly makes me feel like I accomplished something in my day.

Therapy


People always told me to go out and get some exercise if I was depressed, pissed off, cranky, stressed and the list goes on. I have discovered there really is nothing more therapeutic than exercise. As long as I am logging miles whether it be by bike, foot or water I feel really good about myself. While in motion I find myself  strategizing difficult situations, cursing at the person who just ticked me off and sometimes simply zoning out and fining peace. Conquering a run/bike/swim or anything for that matter, than you initially thought you couldn't accomplish, can really impact your self esteem. It sure does beat the 80 dollars you may spend at your therapists office (BTW, therapy is great too, I just recognize that exercise can either supplement or substitute therapy).

Spirituality


When I run, especially with the group I have joined, I feel like I am part of something bigger than myself. The only word I can find to describe the feeling is the word spiritual. I know that may sound dramatic but if you know me, you know I have a tendency towards a little drama. Harmless drama, but drama nonetheless. As I mentioned before this 'movement' toward becoming an athlete has brought me one step closer to finding my inner peace, and that isn't even what I was looking for.

By the way the picture is from my favorite running store. I have a little shirt envy from those who wear this shirt around town! I hope to have one some day :)


Comments

  1. EriccJune 21, 2011 at 5:30 PM

    Tell it like it is. Real. Honest. Genuine. It is part of you, and you are part of it. You have the most difficult part of it already, which is the heart/grit/mindset/determination/fortitude/strength/ambition. It will be awesome to see you cross the finish line in Columbus. Not if. WHEN. Not anyone. YOU. Not pain. FEELING. Not boredom. LIFE.

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