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?