Why I Run...

If you've met me within the past year and half, you know that running is a major part of my life. Since I was a wee tyke I embraced competition and sports.  In college, though, sports become a job rather than a pass time so I left the sports world behind and (eventually) chose another passion.  One that is far less team orientated and more individual.  My running started off as both an effort to lose weight and to connect with my residents, all of whom thought I was crazy and annoying.  Over the past year and a half I have gotten several comments about my running - both positive and negative.  Ironically, I would not classify  myself as a dedicated runner, as I know several people who run 6-7 days a week.  I get in maybe 2-3 solids runs each week.  My motivations have since changed, as I'm no longer wishing to impress my freshman residents. 

Here is a list of why I run:

Upcoming STL Rock 'n Roll Half

To be completely honest, one of the major reasons I have been so diligent about my running as of late is because October 19th is creeping closer every single day.  On that day I'll be expected to run 13.1 miles...and I paid a LOT of money to voluntarily run, so I run.

I have an amazing "Coach"

My coach (aka running buddy aka Jen) happens to be one of those residents I was hoping to impress when I began running.  I guess it worked because we've been running together since (excluding summer and holiday breaks).  She's much faster than myself, but never once has she made me feel like I'm slowing her down or a burden.  She's up for a quiet run when we need it or a (as we like to call it) "rant run" when it's necessary.  She pushes me and keeps me focused.  I am so incredibly thankful for Jen, as both a friend and a coach!

For my sanity!

I think and think and think... I worry WAY too much.  Although running is not the first thing I go to for comfort, it is easily the most physically noticeable change in my mental state.  My 78 year old neighbor said to me recently that one of the reasons he loved to run was because of "the loneliness it brought."  Solo runs with or without music provide time for me to just be.  I have no responsibilities to anyone or anything when my feet are pounding against the pavement.  As an extrovert with severe introvert tendencies, running serves as a really useful tool to get some "me time" without giving up time I want to dedicate to going out with my friends.

To stay fit

Staying fit does not equate weight loss every time.  For instance, my mother - who is a teeny tiny lady - isn't all that fit.  I would actually argue that running, although it has certainly helped tone my body, doesn't actually make me feel thin.  Those hills that I force myself to run have made my legs solid and keep my butt up.  It's helped my breathing, too!  When I go a couple days without a good, solid run I feel sluggish, lazy, and blehhh.  Even with just a two mile run I can feel the endorphins kick in with that extra boost of energy!  It is one of the best feelings in the world, but not quite better than......

The flying feeling

The big hill - you can run up it for the ultimate burning sensation in your upper thighs OR you can run down it.  The Jackson Park hill is one that I ALWAYS opt for the latter option.  It's just enough of a downhill grade that my legs start to move more quickly than I can control and it almost seems like I'm leaving the ground.  I shake my arms out, raise them above my head, and flap them up and down like a bird.  It's incredible and makes the previous 6 or 7 miles totally worth it.

I Run 4 Family & Rachel

I am a team member of the I Run 4 Family.  It is an organization that matches runners with buddies who are not able to run themselves.  Last spring, through this organization, I was matched with one incredibly lady.  Rachel is such an inspiration, and over the past couple months she helped push me through the hills, the extra miles, and the days where the couch looks much better than my tennis shoes.  I wouldn't be the runner I am today without her and the community I have found with the IR4 group. 

If you're a first time runner or an experienced one and interested in joining, I encourage you to visit their page for more information: http://www.whoirun4.com 

Well, there it is folks!  That is why it seems like "I'm always working out."  I love it and at this point need it.  I'm too poor for therapy, but this is therapeutic.  So run, don't run - do what you love!  If it's sitting on the couch, sit on the couch; if it's yoga, be a yogi!  If you are a crossfit fanatic, go crazy, my friend.  Find your niche and do it!

Until next time, friends!

-RC :)

Just a bit of humor (that rings all too true...)