I’ve been running a lot lately – 264.1 miles since January 1! – and after seeing photos on the Women’s Running Series facebook page recently, I starting thinking… why do I run? Sure, I run because Coach Joe tells me to (ha!), but it’s far more than that, too.
With that, the top five reasons I run…
For quiet. Some days there’s nothing better than a solo run to clear your head and quiet your mind. A 11.45-miler last Sunday was exactly that.
For conversation. And, other days (like last night, a 7.50-miler with Sonia), good running buddy conversation can’t be beat.
To feel alive. There’s nothing quite like that runner’s high and hearing my heart beat strongly to tell me that I’m alive, thriving.
To eat. Sure, I run to stay in shape, but a teeny part of me (ok, a big part of me) runs so I can enjoy really good food. Runger is legit! Running doesn’t, however, give you a free pass to eat whatever you please in massive quantities. Have a few potato chips – I love the salty goodness after a hard run – but don’t eat an entire 10-serving bag! My favorite post-run eat: chicken breast sauteed in coconut oil + rogan josh, fresh spinach and sweet potatoes. Yum.
To explore. Because there’s no better way to explore your neighborhood or a new city than on your own two feet. From Seattle to Saint Paul and Vancouver to San Diego, I’ve explored ’em all in my running shoes.
Why do you run?
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Sign up for the Women’s Running Bloomington Half Marathon, and run with me! It’s June 16, and it’s gonna be a ton of fun! Use the code SWEAT and save $10 on your registration fee (it works for both the half and 5K).
17 Comments
I’d sign up but that is the day of my marathon! I will sign up for other races with you though, Women Run the Cities is a great 10 mile in the fall 🙂 keep it kicking lady!
I am SO excited for you and all your marathon running! How’s training going? Would love to run that 10-miler, but it’s pretty close to IM Canada, so I’ll have to see how crazy sore I am 🙂
All of the above! Great list, friend!
Thanks, dear!
I love this post! I run (sometimes) to prove to myself that I still can! And having a bit more freedom with snacking is awfully nice too. 🙂
Ooo… love that reason! How’s 13.1 training going?!!
I run because someone told me I couldn’t…I’ve proved them wrong time and again. 🙂
Awesome, John! Keep running and proving them wrong 🙂
Great post Erin! So crazy that we were on the same page Friday with this 🙂
Runners on the same wavelength 🙂 Thanks, Carrisa!
Great post! I run because I can and to continuously prove to myself that I’m now a runner (after years of wanting to be one).
You ARE a runner, Danielle! Keep it up! Any races coming up?
Someone I ran with 5 years ago told me that you have your most honest and uthentic conversations with those that you run with because you are runnign side by side. No concerns about being judged face to face. I thought that was interesting, and I Have noticed over the years how true that is. You really get to know a lot about your running partners!
I love that perspective, April… it’s the truth! My running partners are some of my closest friends!
Awesome idea for a post! I just shared my history of running which was so fun to look back on all of the different reasons I have run at specific times in my life. Right now…I run because I can. I am lucky to have the strength and health to run! And for stress relief, which includes a lot of your reasons above.
Your history of running post was fantastic! You inspired me, and I started writing one, too 🙂 Keep running, girl!
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