Why do I run?

After any craptacular run (like last night), I wonder why I run. I'm mad and irritated that I didn't run well ... at all. But, you know what? Even in a mad, irritated and disappointed state, I can come up with a long list of reasons why I run.

I run for a challenge. Running doesn’t come easy to me. I love the challenge of running farther and getting faster (someday …).

I run for competition. Being as slow as I am, I’m obviously not competing with anyone for the top spot. In fact, I’m not competing with anyone except myself. And, that’s enough. I still have the drive to do better each time.

Competed against myself and knocked
15 minutes off my half marathon time!

I run for my health. Running is good for you. It’s good for your bones, heart, lungs, muscles, joints and mind. Those are good enough reasons for me.

I run for exercise. We all need exercise, and this is my favorite form.

I run for enjoyment. I love the feeling of running and the sense of accomplishment when I’m done.

I run for excitement. It’s exciting to run races, run new distances and run new places.

My first and only 10K

I run for happiness. It makes me happy. That’s it.

I run for blowing off steam. If I have a frustrating day, running is the best way I know to get rid of the frustration and relax.

I run for alone time. I like time to myself. Running is great for thinking, planning and plotting.

I run for friend time. It’s a great way to spend time with friends with a similar interest.

I run for outside time. I love being outside. And, I’d just prefer to never run on a treadmill (although it does happen occasionally, unfortunately).

I run for self-esteem. When you’re feeling happy and accomplished, this follows.

I run for a runner’s high. The feeling of elation after running a farther distance, a faster speed or just finishing is amazing. No matter how bad the run was, I’m always glad I did it. The after feeling makes it worth it.

I run because I love it. I think this is kinda obvious because of all of the previous reasons (and the fact that I have a running blog), but I love it. I get so much joy, satisfaction and challenge out of running that I never see myself giving it up.

Why do you run?

Day 10

I guess because it was overcast and cool (cool is a relative term), I thought Tuesday’s run would be easy (easy is a relative term). I was wrong.

I struggled … the entire way. It just wasn’t a good running day. And, I’m trying to realize that bad days happen. And, I’m trying to not get down on myself. The entire 45 minutes I was attempting to run, I had negative thoughts swirling in my head: “You suck. You can’t run. Why did you ever think you could run a half marathon?”

Two days later, I’m ready to give it a shot again. Looking back on it, I still enjoyed running – even if it was a struggle. It’s a constant challenge, and I love that. As long as I keep trying, I’ll be happy because I’m running.

My (short) running history

I made attempts at running my freshmen year of college. My roommate and I would go out most nights and just try to run farther than we did the night before. And, we actually had some success. In the Kansas winter. In our nylon pants that made the swish-swish-swish sound as we ran (why I thought those things rocked as much as I thought they did, I'm not sure). I'm also not sure why we stopped. Probably studying. Yeah, that's it.


So, here I am now in my 30s trying to get serious about running again (or maybe really for the first time). I tried to follow the Couch to 5K plan, but I ended up modifying it. I ran intervals for what seemed like forever, and then, one night it all clicked; I ran two miles without stopping, and I was hooked.


I ran my first 5K race in February, and I added two more to my collection by May. I ran the entire race each time, and I had a faster time each race. After my third 5K, I wanted a bigger challenge. So, I began looking for a 10K (what seemed like the next logical step). Problem: finding a 10K in Florida in the summer is difficult.


A friend (who is a running coach, motivator and person who believes in me when I don't) mentioned she wanted to do the Women's Half Marathon in November. I was adamant that I wasn't going to run that far. I couldn't do it. I just started running. She disagreed, but didn't push. Funny thing: I eventually came around. And, I can add to my short running history.