Why do you run?

I was talking with a old friend of mine the other day and she asked me 'So, why do you run??" She has never done any type of running in her life, doesn't plan to, but is always interested in hearing about the races I do and what I'm training for next.. Her question took me by surprise as I've never really thought about it that much to actually put it in words. Like an internal thing that you subconsciously 'know' without it actually being put into words. You just do it because you enjoy it without really thinking that deeply about why you enjoy it.

So her question got me thinking. Why do I run? I've been running for over 15 years with a small 3 year hiatus starting while I was pregnant and ending when I looked in the mirror one day and finally realizing I had NOT lost any of my pregnancy weight.. So I started back up again. I started in 1993 to get in shape and I started back in 2003 to get in shape. That's easy. But why do I keep running? And why running? Why not cycling or kickboxing or some other form of aerobic activity that's so widely available (if you're into show-mercials)? I really do like Wayne's kickboxing class, but I wouldn't want it to be my sole form of aerobic activity. So what is it about running that I'm so drawn too?

So after thinking about it's because of several reasons. The main one is I can compete with myself. How much faster can I go? Or how much further can I go? I'm not a very competitive person but I do like to compete against myself and see how much I can improve. You can't exactly compete against your self in an aerobic class. Either you do the hour or you don't. No real competition there. And I've never have gotten into cycling other than recreational family bike rides. Running is the one sport that I can compete against myself and push myself. In races I'm not out to see who I can beat (mainly because I know it's a lost cause!) but to keep it interesting I'll pick out someone close to me in pace and see if I can beat them. I usually don't know the person, just someone I pick out who's going about my pace....

Not to mention the goals you can set. The 10K in a couple of weeks, the completed 1/2 marathons. The upcoming marathon. Setting goals gives you something to strive for and accomplish. And feel good when you finish, regardless of your time. I have exactly 1 trophy from 14 years ago. 3rd place in my age division. There were a total of 4 runners in my age division. But that's OK.. Getting out there are doing the short races and the 1/2 marathons are actually fun for me. It's not about winning, it's about doing. I would really hate to be the person who gets down on themselves for not coming in the top 3 or get sooo wrapped up in the competitiveness that they miss out on the fun.

Definitely another reason is my running friends. Every Saturday we meet to run and chat. Sometimes mostly chat! :-) I'm a busy mommy (1st priority!) but I need some 'me' time and girl talk!! Getting out early Saturday mornings for a couple of hours w/ my friends is perfect for filling that much needed time! It's like great therapy!!! We talk away the miles and before you know it, we're done! I look forward to my Saturday runs with my girlfriends and I would miss that greatly if I were to quit running. Thanks Kathy F, Kathy H and welcome back Patti!

As much as I love the chatter of the Saturday runs, I also love the quiet weekday runs alone where I can either get lost in my thoughts or jam to my ipod. Regardless, it's just me out there and I enjoy the peace. I FINALLY got off the treadmill and outside once the warmer weather came and it makes such a difference. I slip out of the sleeping house to an awakening world of sunrises, chirping birds, rabbits, an occasional deer or two in the open field area next to the forest line...sprinkler systems, paper boys and other runner/walkers. I love watching the sun come up and things come alive. (OK so maybe no sprinkler systems yet, but I know it won't be long!)

Running with big groups like the HalfWits has also introduced me to some great people and the comradery and support is fantastic. Being a small part of that group is what keeps me going though the winter because there's always something they are training for.

And yes the obvious reason why anybody runs is to try to keep in shape. I love my pizza and beer and my favorite wine you know!!

And talking about therapy, actually writing out my thoughts just now was a little bit of therapy for me!!