Why Do I Run?

I just finished reading a book called Mile Markers:  The 26.2 Reasons Why Women Run by Kristin Armstrong.  The book has excerpts from her journals and blog, I believe, speaking to various reasons why we run.  I was greatly moved by many of the posts in the book.   Though the author has weekly speed work and participates in running clubs, thereby running much faster than I can run, I can relate to many of her thoughts about running, family, and life.  I felt inspired to keep running and keep improving in all aspects of my life after reading this book.

So that got me thinking....why do I run?  I've written before about why I started running (basically to help with losing weight and then maintaining that weight while still being able to eat), but I know many other people who started running and then quit.  Why have I continued to run?  I think it first was a great challenge.  That first time I ran and couldn't even make it a mile without walking, I knew I had to try again.  As I trained for the first 5K and then the first 10K, I already saw my pace improving and my stamina improving.  As I trained for my first half marathon, I felt myself getting in the best shape I have probably ever been in.  I'm not the lowest weight I have ever been, but I would say I'm still the most fit I have ever been.  After each race, the challenge becomes can I match or beat my personal record for that distance.  I also must admit that I do enjoy receiving those medals (having not been one to play sports as a kid, I didn't get that experience before in athletics), and seeing the medals hang on the display rack in the computer room reminds me of the hard work I put in to be able to complete the races.  I can revisit my favorite races in my mind, and also think back to the most challenging races..."What did I do well?" and "What can I do better?"

I didn't really have a hobby that I loved when I first started running.  I dabbled in scrapbooking from time to time, but I didn't really have anything that was my own.  A time for me to do something good and/or enjoyable for myself.  I spent too much time watching TV and snacking.  I enjoyed travel, but once the next vacation is planned there is still a lot of time left over while I just have to wait for that vacation to arrive.  Then there is the problem of having to wait for the next break to take another trip.  There is also the problem of having to save up money for the next trip.  There is definitely a limit to the amount of travel I can afford and have the time to go.  I also wasn't the most faithful to any workout plan I ever started.  I joined a gym once, signing up for a one year membership.  I attended faithfully for about 6 months, then my attendance became more sporadic.  I just could never get myself back into the routine once I got out of it.  It was easy to find excuses.  I would also buy workout videos and again stay faithful for a while, then gradually fall away.  I think running has become a hobby and a way to stay fit. 

Signing up for races forces me to stick to a plan.  I know if I don't stick to my plan I won't be able to go the distance in the race.  I don't see myself as really competing with anyone but myself.  I want a personal record when I can get one.  I feel a bit discouraged when I'm not able to get a PR, though I know the longer I run, especially, it will become harder to see big improvements.  Now that my focus is completing the first full marathon, I'm less focused on a faster pace as I focus on getting my body and mind prepared to go the distance of 26.2 miles. The shorter runs building up (10K, 15K, Half Marathon) are more rehearsals for the longer run than opportunities to get a PR (though I'd still like a PR).  I'm really noticing how the weather, the amount of sleep I've gotten, and what I've been eating and drinking can affect my performance.  I can't control the weather, and I'm not willing to totally give up enjoying good food and drink, so I won't always be the best I can be....and I'm okay with that (most of the time:) )  I see races as a celebration of my health and fitness journey.  It's a chance to get together with others of all shapes, sizes, and abilities, and celebrate the journey each of us has taken to get there.

Happy Running!