Friday, July 6, 2012

Why I Run

Over the past few months, I've read so many blogs with incredibly motivating, inspirational stories about how people began running.  Some people began to lose a significant amount of weight. Some people started running to deal with the death of a loved one.  Some people started after a job layoff or being fired.

I, however, don't have one of these crazy, amazingly inspirational stories about how I started. But I like how my running story has progressed.  I started (seriously) running because my boyfriend suggested it one day (full story here, and thanks, Anthony!).  I had absolutely no plans to become a runner before or after our first run together, and certainly not during!  I don't think I really thought about it in the few days after our run either.  But once I recovered and was no longer sore from our impromptu 7 mile run, I ran again. And again. And then all of a sudden, I was running multiple times a week. I motivated myself by pulling the 7 mile run/(walk) out of nowhere, and wanted to see what else I was capable of.  

[Side note: if you're looking to get into running, I do NOT suggest starting by going for a random 7-mile run.  I'm lucky that it worked for me, but start with short and SLOW runs- don't dive in headfirst.  It is really unpleasant. Trust me!] 

There are countless types of people in this world, but I think most people can fall into one of these two categories: 

                 1) those who love running
            2) those who hate running


Anywhere between Middle School and three years ago, I probably would have fallen into the "those who hate running" category.  I completely understand why people hate it.  When you're not used to running, it's hard.  Really hard.  Even when you are used to it, there are many days when it's really hard!  I remember my first several runs, when my lungs and legs were burning, when I was gasping for air, and when putting one foot in front of the other suddenly seemed insurmountable. Why would I keep putting myself through that kind of pain?!


Because there's something amazing about running.  When you're out there by yourself, that's when you find out what you're truly capable of.  How strong you are both mentally and physically.  


The thought of running a 10k or half marathon never even crossed my mind until a few weeks before I signed up for my first half. And now, after I ran my last half marathon in May, I was definitely a little depressed for a few days because I didn't have another race in the books.


There's no other part of my life where I am as challenged or motivated as I am when I'm running or racing.  I'm running for me.  I'm running to become faster.  I'm running to become stronger.  I'm running to meet a new personal goal.  I'm running because I want to.  No one tells me that I have to run.  No one really cares if I do or not.  Except for me.


Of course there are still days when I have a hard or rough run, and I feel defeated.  But that only makes me want to lace up my shoes that much sooner, to push myself further, to mentally become stronger and to prove to myself that I can do whatever I set my mind to.


I remember my life without running.  It was fun, but it didn't have any real motivation.  I wasn't excited to get up every day like I am today.  I didn't have any goals that I was 100% in control of achieving.  I didn't have anything that I did just for me.


If you're one of "those who hate running", you're probably not reading this blog.  But if you happen to come across this and currently hate running, give it a try.  Actually, give it a few tries.  You probably won't love it at first run, but I bet you'll come to love it.  And I hope that it will make you a happier, more motivated and challenged person too.


What do you love most about running?  What got you motivated to start?  What keeps you motivated everyday?

10 comments:

  1. I love that running, no matter how long or how good, in the end means I accomplished something most people can't or won't do. I was motivated simply by seeing how much fun people were having at a local annual Thanksgiving race, so I wanted to try it out. I never looked back. My daily motivation is the love of running, sharing that love with others, and inspiring my young students to live healthy active lifestyles.

    ReplyDelete
  2. My friend got me into running a few years ago and now I definitely have 'the bug'. I love it! I love it because it's a good 'me' time, where I can think, clear my head, and whatever else. I also love how it keeps me fit and healthy and how it enables me to challenge myself and accomplish goals - best feeling! I am motivated by goals, as well as all the people who support and encourage me!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I have always been in the "on the fence" category, but i have decided to do a 5k for charity - wish me luck! Thanks for joining the blog hop.
    http://www.get-fit-naturally.org/2012/07/its-sizzlin-saturday-and-were-sweating_07.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Congratulations! I'm so happy for you! I hope you have fun training and running the race! Let me know if you become one who loves running afterwards :) Good luck!!!

      Delete
  4. I started running because I needed a new goal to work towards. For a year a half I'd been focusing on losing 100 pounds and once I reached that goal, I wasn't sure what to do. Running was a good "project." And I love it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow, congratulations on losing 100 pounds! That's amazing! Glad you found running! :)

      Delete
  5. Love this post!! I started running because I wanted to do a sport in high school...and I never stopped :) it honestly does make me want to get up in the morning-I love having these goals to work toward!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! :) I wish I had stuck with running after middle school...but am so glad that it came back into my life! Better late than never!

      Delete
  6. Your site is a great resource to get useful data! Will you be mind if I pingback a couple of of your articles on my personal site?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! Not at all, feel free to link my site/some of my posts to your blog! Thanks! :)

      Delete