Why Do YOU Run?

Hello and Happy day to you!

Last week I challenged you to share with me the reasons why you do this crazy thing called running.

The response that I received was overwhelmingly awesome!

It was so cool to read everyone’s reasons, because they are all so different.

Looking for some motivation?

Read the stories below and I bet one of them will light a fire under your caboose.

I know it has for me!

So let’s get to it…

From Jennaruns: I’ve been thinking about that – I don’t have a crazy awesome “why” like some people do… I think I just run to prove to myself that I can. Because I love it. I get to jam out and be outdoors. It feels good.

                                              

 From Ryan Walter ‏@RWalter84: I run because I like having the ability to move at various speeds or various terrain. Its like being an explorer!

From creakyjointsrunning ‏@creakyjointsrun: switchin’ it up motivates me! And not tryin’ to PR

FromTodd Short ‏@superubertodd: I run to be a better version of myself.

From CurvyGirl5K ‏@CurvyGirl5K: I run to be healthy.

From Poor Little Greeny ‏@DarkLordCrimson: Being a fat did it for me!

From saulbee: I started running because some idiot at work said we should run a half marathon together and I was too stupid to say no.
Turns out not only am I foolish but I am weak as well and am now a running junkie, can’t go more than a few days without a sweet mileage fix.
Let this be a lesson to all couch potatoes everywhere- it’s a hard habit to kick.

From Rylee McDermott @ryleemcd: 2 years ago I went through the toughest time in my life, my marriage was ending and the law firm I was working at was falling apart as well. Around this time one of my attorney buddies talked me into signing up with him for a half marathon. Up until that point I had only ever done a 5k, but I really enjoyed training for it and getting out and running. My whole life I have been active, and I always played basketball with my friends growing up. Through law school and life I had gotten out of that habit and by the time I was in my late 20’s I would get winded as I’d run up and down the court and that never used to happen. I hated it. I’m a skinny dude, so no one ever assumed I was out of shape, but I was. As I started training for my first half marathon something happened… I started to smile more. My countenance changed. It helped me regain who I was. I’m built like a runner, even though I never was one, and I found MY sport. Something that brought me joy. I can put in my headphones and just go. I can get out all of life’s frustrations on the sidewalks/roads/trails. I love it. Life has a funny way of working out when we stay positive. I’m in a good place right now and I know running helped me get there. I needed to get back on track with my physical health and running was what I needed. Now I get antsy if I go a couple days without running. My body craves it. I also don’t play basketball anymore because I fear rolling my ankle and I honestly think I would go into a tailspin if I couldn’t run. It’s been soooo good for me. Anyways, that is why I, Rylee McDermott run. Because it helped, and continues to help me get back on track. In 2015 I did 1 half marathon and one full marathon, and already in 2016 I’ve done 1 half and 1 full. I’m currently signed up for another full marathon for October.

From Adamhaesler: I believe that although maintenance of motivation is important, also important is to recognize the why behind becoming de-motivated. Anyway, I stay motivated by focusing on my goals, and no matter how lofty, or pie in sky, they maybe I could accomplish them. But I need to work hard at them to make them happen, which will mean sacrifice. I also stay motivated by reflection on how far I have come, and looking back on what my goals were even just a year ago. I also stay motivated by the small but significant subtle elements that take your breath away throughout training. Crossing the finish line; powering and overcoming an extreme low during a race; the smile and encouragement of a volunteer; high five from the RD at the finish line; or simply meeting some new amazing individuals at a race, or on the trails, and sharing your wins and losses together. Above all it is the community. Being a runner is kind of like the right of passage to belong to an incredible community of individuals who inspire us to be our best, help us up when we have fallen, gets us back on track when we become lost from our goals and training, and create a sense of care for you possibly not offered by those in your circle of friends and family from before you became a runner. All in all, the community, whether online, in person, on the trails, at home, work, school, or at a race is all around, and if you are willing to embrace it, you will find everything you need, and everyone who needs you, as you are apart of something that only survives if everyone participates. Thus, it is in this realization of responsibility that I find motivation, in addition to the knowledge that I cannot wait to share my journey, and hear about others, and assist them, in the community, that I continue to run. I know that if I look after the community, they will look after me, and so the cycle continues. Thus, I am motivated to run in the interest of something bigger than just myself, I run for the health of the community!

 
 

From MerakiEventPlanning @MerakiEventPlan:  I’m motivated by the notion I once had that I couldn’t run. Every step is proof of my own strength

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 Aren’t these stories and reasons for running so incredibly motivating?

It has really inspired me!

Thank you so much to everyone who shared their story.

I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to talk about stuff like this, because I feel like it really gets down to the core of who we are as runners.

If you think about it, we all do some pretty crazy things…

We push ourselves to the limit.

We wake up a crazy hours to run.

We drive and fly across states and countries to run races.

We are dedicated.

We are passionate.

We are runners.

 

Whatever you reason is for doing what you do- always keep it in the forefront of your mind.

This will help you get through the hard times, when you are injured, unmotivated, or have to get up at an ungodly time to get your run in.

-RatherBeRunnin’

Let’s connect!