Why Do You Run?

[JillC LI]

It hasn't been easy rolling out of bed at 5 am to complete my runs before work but by the time I'm done I always feel good and I can say that I did it.

Whatever you do, set a goal and keep at it until you complete, then re-eavluate and set you next goal whether it be a longer distance, faster distance, or more consistent runs. Good luck.

It's the one thing you never regret forcing yourself to do. And reminding yourself of that feeling you get when you've finished a run is often the only thing that motivates you to begin it. That's where experience is key.

And I agree wholeheartedly about re-evaluating goals. Mixing things up keeps it interesting and keeps you focused. Good luck with that 2013 race - I'm sure you can complete a marathon if you decide y ou have the time to put into preparing!

 

[Mr mom]

Great question.. I used to run in high school when I was on the soccer team. I was always skinny but when I went to university I got away from exercise for the most part. A few years ago I was close to 200lbs and my knee would bother me etc. I had a bad diet and I figured I would fix the problem as soon as the kids were both in school and I had more time. I started in november of 09 by eating right and doing some walking, I noticed my knee no longer hurt as much and I started to lose weight. I was content with that until my neice died. I traveled to her funeral and as I saw her 6 year old son I told myself that there are things outside my power but also some I can control. I vowed that I would do more to stay healthy, no gaurantee that something might not happen but the things I had control over I would control.
My walking got faster and faster, finally I just said the hell with it and started running, I became obsessed with it after I got that first runners high and started doing more and more, I could not help myself. It relieved a lot of stress and made me feel great. Now I am at the point where I have to control the running as much as I control everything else. It clears my head. Now running is a part of my morning ritual, just like getting up and getting dressed.

 

[roydavid7771]

I signed up for the 1/2 last weekend after wking up and realizing how horribly out of shape I've become. I simply was tired of making excuses for myself and letting the pressures of life get to me. Right now, every run/walk is sheer torture, but after every run I instantly get a feeling of accomplishment that I had taken for granted for far too long. It had been so long since I had lat enjoyed that feeling, and now it's become an addiction. The way I look at it, all of the hard work and sweat now is simply an entrance fee for running in the most magical place on Earth. I'm sure I'll end up crying like a baby once I cross the finish line, but then I'll know that I can do anything in life. Can't wait!