Jay’s comment to me about the half marathon “It’s not like you’re running for me…” got me wondering – why do I run?
It started out as a whim. A friend of mine and I had started counting calories earlier in the year, we took spin classes and weight classes together. Then out of the blue she called and said “I think we should train for a 5K, I’ve just found this program online.”
It was, of course, the Couch to 5K program. We decided to skip the first two weeks, since we didn’t exactly fit the “couch” description. We were active; we just didn’t have any stamina to run. We signed up for our first race, but part of the way through the training she was sidelined and couldn’t compete with me.
I remembered being nervous and excited – my only goal was to run the entire 5K, no walking in between. I had run 3 miles in training, but always on a track. The course was hilly, but I managed to meet my goal.
After my first race – I was hooked. It was probably the rush of setting a goal then pushing myself to meet it. I finished 11th out of 16 in my age group, but I’d never felt more like a winner in my life.
Why do I run?
I run for me.
I run for weight loss/maintenance.
I run for health.
I run for the high.
I run for the sense of accomplishment.
I run for my niece and nephew.
My niece, who’s 5, has already said she wants to run races like her Aunt Boo.
My nephew, who’s 16 months, was unofficially diagnosed with asthma this week. Instead of getting upset about it, my sister told my mom “If Brooke can have it, and go on to run a half marathon, its not gonna hold him back.”
That makes me incredibly proud. So I guess it all comes back to…
I run for me.
What about you?
I think those are all good reasons for you to run and it was a good idea to write a list!
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes right down to it, that's what matters :0)
ReplyDeleteLove it that you're inspiration to the younger members of your family!
I love your post!! Thanks so much for sharing your list. :)
ReplyDeleteI run for me. I run for the time it gives me to myself. :) I run for the endorphins and the sense of accomplishment I get when I finish. I run to be a role model for my son. I run to prove that I can.
Well, I USED to run. Maybe I should make a list of why I did then & don't now?! I love that you're running is a reason for your sister to not worry about her sweet baby boy! It's great when God uses us as an example of strength when we're not even trying!
ReplyDelete& regarding your other post about your jeans: if you're a 4 at Gap & J Crew, you probably are at American Eagle, too! I hope that makes you feel even better about your weight loss success!! Congrats!
EXCELLENT LIST!! u go girl!
ReplyDeleteI want to run for me. Because I get an odd bit of satisfaction in saying I want to run and seeing the weird "you're crazy" looks on my family's faces. But, more importantly, I'm getting healthy for ME. No one else, just me.
ReplyDeleteGood for you. I want to run too b/c I've heard from so many that it's the best way to lose weight and maintain. And once you're in that running zone, you could keep going and going. I just need that jump start.
ReplyDeleteGood for you!! Running makes you learn a lot about yourself, that's why I run. Hey, the Ironman Hawaii is on this weekend, you need to watch it and get inspired! Not that you need it, but this keeps me going!
ReplyDeleteI think that is the best reason to do anything!! Good job!
ReplyDeleteI run to help find something deep inside of me that I didn't know was there.
ReplyDeleteI run for my future child.
I run to take time just for me where I can just listen to myself breathe (really hard!)
Great way to handle your nephews news.
Those are all great reasons...the endorphines ain't too baed either =)
ReplyDeleteLove this post! I run for all those reasons also!
ReplyDeleteI love feeling strong, and meeting a goal that i have set!!
You rock. That is all.
ReplyDelete