Why do you run?

[The Moose]

I got to thinking on my long run Sunday....Why do I run?
Do I run for fitness?  Since I don't eat any vegetables and am unwilling to even try them, I doubt it's for that.
Do I run for the enjoyment?  Although I enjoy the conversation when running with a friend or a group, I can't say I enjoy the sore muscles later (especially that pulled groin that keeps me from going up stairs.)
Do I run to relieve stress?  I suppose that's why I started, but I've gotten pretty good at leaving my work at work.  I'll give that a partial yes.
Do I run for the rush?  I'll admit that I've experienced a runners high on more than one occassion, I always pay for it later, and don't consciously strive to reproduce the feeling.
Do I run for the speed?  We might be getting warm here, I enjoy moving fast, more than I enjoy walking, but more because I'm impatient.  You don't need to run as far and as often as I do just so you aren't walking.
Do I run to race?  Kind of, I enjoy the competition, but I ultimately compare my times to my past times.
Do I run to push limits?  I think this one's a winner.  I don't really care if I win.  I'd be happy finishing dead last, as long as I knew I had tried my hardest.  Some of my most memorable marathons were my slowest.  I'd proven to myself that I could work through almost any pain.  I didn't stop for bleeding blisters.  I struggled through when my knee looked like it had eaten a golf ball.
I run because I enjoy pushing limits.  I did it to my parents.  I did it to my teachers in school.  Now I do it to myself.  Racing gives me a focus to push beyond what common sense tells me my limits should be.  I've run an entire race with my heart rate monitor beeping frantically because I was pushing 101% of what I thought my max HR was.  I wanted to push beyond what I had done before.  I wanted to catch the guy who had beaten me every race up until then, not to beat him, but to prove to myself that I had gone harder than before, that I had improved that the marker had now moved.  That's why I run.

Why do you run?


Mike

[Jane]

Why do I run?

I run for fitness.? I don't want to have to go on any stronger blood pressure pills.? And I want to live into my 90s and still FEEL like I want to be alive.
I run because it makes me feel exhilarated (most of the time).? It is a high that doesn't cost as much as drinking or drugs and doesn't leave you with a hangover -- just some muscle pain sometimes.
I run because I have made the bestest friends in my running group.? We have been through a lot together - weddings, divorces, grandchildren, cancer, to name a few.? We have cried together and laughed together.? We have celebrated our accomplishments together.? I couldn't ask for anything better than the friendship of our group.? I think we share a bond that you don't understand unless you are a runner.
I run because ten years ago, I was still hobbling around feeling sorry for myself after fracturing my kneecap in a car accident.? I never would have believed that I would be capable of completing a 10K run, let alone a marathon!!? Some people have told me that they think it is amazing what I have done.? And truthfully, I think I have amazed myself.
I love running.? I hope I am still doing it 20 years from now.? Hey, why stop then?? Maybe I'll be like that 90 year old man who ran the Scotiabank marathon.? Still running in my 90s.? That sounds like fun.

[Sandy]

I like what you both said, can I use it in an article?  First and last names used or just first?

[Jane]

Haha -- I am sneaking on here from work, while my boss is on a "Smoke break."  This is MY "smoke break!"  Much healthier (I think!).

Yes, you can use it Sandy.  I don't mind you using my name - first or last.  Doesn't make a difference.

[Heath]

I run for a few different reasons.

I run for fitness. Once I grew out of my teens, I started to gain weight and I felt I needed to do something about it.? I had watched my mom finish her first marathon in Ottawa in 2004 and it was very inspirational and amazing!? I slowly started exercising by going to spinning and eventually running to maintain my weight.?

I run to spend time with my Mom.? Since I have started running with my mom, we have created a stronger bond.? Not only is she my mother but now a good friend that I can relate to and have something in common.? She helps me achieve my running goals by encouraging and supporting me through every race by running with me.? And I want to thank her for setting an excellent example and being an inspiration to me!

I run to socialize with other runners (now friends).? I have met many great people and friends through running.? We have an amazing group of friends that support and encourage each other.? We always have fun on our group runs which makes training more entertaining and enjoyable!!!

I run to challenge myself.? Every race I go in, I challenge myself with a new goal.? I feel ecstatic when the goal is achieved.? It is an awesome feeling.? If my goal is not achieved, I always want to try again.? It makes me want to keep trying until the goal is accomplished.? Running is very addictive!

I enjoy and love running.? I hope I am still running in my 70?s so I can run with my mom when she is in her 90?s!? That would be amazing!!!? And maybe I will be faster than her by then :)? j/k Mom!

[Janet]

Why do I Run?
  Good question.  Whenever I meet a new runner I always ask them how long they've been running.  This usually leads to why they started running and why they now run.  I enjoy hearing all of their different stories, and they always refresh my reasons for why I run.
  I started running just after my daughter was born.  In a nutshell,she didn't seem to sleep unless she was moving, so I would put her in the stroller and walk.  This lead me to start running.  I entered my first 10km race, and was amazed when I finished it. It's just progressed from there.  I have now completed  two half marathons, a 30km, and a marathon.  Each time I finish I am amazed with myself and what my body can do, and damn proud of it!
   So I guess I run for that feeling.  That so damn proud of myself, my face hurts from smiling that hard.  I run for fitness, stress relief, so I don't feel to bad if I eat dessert, problem solving, socialization, enjoying the outdoors.
  When my daughter asks if I'm going running, and I say yes, she grabs her books and her water bottle, puts on her running shoes, and gets in the running stroller.  That is why I run.

Janet

P.S  Now while in the stroller, she asks if I'm running yet, and if I say yes, she then tells me to go faster, but who needs an MP3 player when I can be serenaded by Itsy Bitsy Spider, and Old McDonalds Farm while I run.

[Sandy]

"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, red wine in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming 'WOOHOO, what a ride!'" anonymous quote

That is why I run.

[The Moose]

Sure you can use my name, you chose first or last.

What's the chocolate for?

I love that quote, reminds me of a conversation I had with friends at my high school graduation.  Friends and I were discussing where life would lead us, and one friend said he'd like to run a marathon by age 35 (so far away for an 18 year old).  I said I'd be suprised if I lived that long, I take too many risks, but if I did I'd like to run one to.
Was I ever suprised when I hit 33.  It's a good thing I started training when I did, or I never would have made it.  That was 5 marathons ago, now the goal is 50 marathons by age 50.

Looks like I need to pick up the pace a little, just push a little farther.

On a different note entirely, ran to the gym last night to do upper body.  Did shoulders, chest, lats, and also some huge leg extension sets.  Was I ever suprised that it was my sore arms, instead of my sore legs, that dramatically slowed my pace on the way home.  I couldn't swing my arms properly and, therefore, couldn't build my pace enough for my sore quads to become an issue.  I guess the point is, don't forget to strengthen your arms if you truly want to run faster.

Mike

P.S. I gleaned this from the movie "Coach Carter".

'Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?
You are a child of God

Your playing small doesn't serve the world.
There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.

We are all meant to shine, as children do.
We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.
It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine,
we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

As we're liberated from our own fear,
our presence automatically liberates others."

Nelson Mandela - 1994
Shine on friends - ever higher, ever farther, never quitter.

[Robyn]

I run (and cycle) because I use it is my mental therapy.?

1)? It keeps my depression, post traumatic stress disorder and anxiety in check.? Without it I would be homebound and lethargic.?

2)? I run to observe the wild animals that cross my path.

3)? The another reason I run is because it gives me a sense of accomplishment whether it's 5K or longer.

4)? Most importantly, I run because it is
FUN   FUN   FUN

[Erin]

I never envisioned myself as an athlete which eventually led me to believe that I couldn't possibly run let alone become a runner.  Through Sandy's support and encouragement I have learned a few things about myself, one being that I can run.  After a year of running I will still actually giggle inside when someone refers to me as a runner as I still find it hard to believe.

I run because I can!

Erin

[ironman]

I run because i can and i enjoy the rush of competing.  Plus I only have one speed fast.

[The Moose]

You're not kidding...

[ShoppinShannon]

I run for fear.
For fear that I will become the woman I once was, I do not want to be her again, overweight, on the couch in front of the tv.
I run for my son, because he needs to see how important it is to be active.
I run to be free, because it's the only place where I can be alone with my thoughts.
I run for me. ;D

[Cathy]

I run because I like skinny feet
My shoes now fit without overflowing
I run because my hands don't hurt as much
I can now hold my grandson's hand without pain
I run because my cloths fit better
I have lost 7 1/2 inches in 7 months (I was getting really fat)
I run because I am alone
I have to prove nothing but to myself
I run because of companionship
I have ran with so many wonderful people
I run because I thought that I never could
I have alot to learn
I run because I know this list will change
I will change
I run because I can
Come join me

[Robyn]

I Shoppin Shannon's reasons for running. :hello2: