Why Run?

Running in late October with Duke

So I just finished a hard cold run this afternoon with the wind blowing and digits well below freezing and I knew that the sight probably seemed absurd to most.  The wind chills were in the negatives and I had every excuse to stay inside.  In fact, I almost did but when it became evident that the boys needed to go outside and release some steam, Amie asked if I'd take them around the loop of main camp to get out frustrations involving school and homework.  I obliged and took them for about a mile or so in lower camp (they didn't do all the mile; I ran ahead and came back and they took short cuts).  I didn't run hard enough to produce any sweat and boy were my fingers were cold!  After I dropped the boys off at the house, I decided to go put in a few more miles and get my heart rate going.  And boy I did.  With the wind whipping around, I headed back out from Amie's house (definitely the wind chill was worse without all the pine trees blocking it) and headed towards the lake and eventually to the oak forest. I ran a few miles, was definitely sweating, and then trudged back up towards Amie's house and the wind.  I made it back and my lungs were startled by the warm air coming back inside.  Which brings me to my post......why run?

The simple answer....I like to.  But there's  lot more that goes into it than that.  So here goes.  Some look at those who run as crazy and nuts but I'm not that hard core.  I don't run every day and certainly not in the morning (in fact, I hate exercising in the morning....muscles need more time to get warmed up).  I'm not into racing or personal bests.  I can say that my dog loves it when I take him with me.  I run because......


1)  It's a great, easy, inexpensive way to stay in shape.  My job is full of anaerobic activity-lots of lifting, start and stop activity, and even more lifting.  This is a great cardio workout that only requires shoes and I'm sure to engage my core as I run so I can work on those abs. :-)  I don't need to be out there for an hour or two.  Just 30-45 minutes and a 3-4 miler and I'm good.  I do P90X on the side to work other areas of the body.

2)  When I'm frustrated, worrying about the job or money, or trying to solve a problem, hitting the road is a GREAT stress reliever.  All my troubles melt away and I come back with a clear head, ready to tackle the problem and my problems seem easier and not nearly as big.  I understand that some may point to the fact that if I turn to God I'll get the same thing.  True.  If you are feeling the need to do something about a problem you can't do anything about, it's nice to have a release valve.  If you're a runner, you know how that release is.  There's something about it that words cannot describe.  Everything seems better when you run.

3)  When I run, I listen to worship music or talk to God.  It's my quiet time. I don't run with others; I don't want to run with others.  This is my time that I can do whatever with my mind.  I can think, pray, sing to myself, or just quiet my head.  If I ever become a mother, I'm sure I'll want this even more.  I still want it now though.  No one demanding my attention or asking my questions or coming to me with another problem.  And I usually run when no one is around.  Pure solitude.

4)  I run for the pure joy of running.  I want to always go farther and faster than I did but I don't set personal goals.  I run till I can't run anymore....and sometimes a little farther.  My mileage is steadily increasing and my time is decreasing.  If I'm feeling awesome and start running and don't want to stop, I'll make a detour and take the long route back.  Back in September I had the run of a lifetime.  It was a somewhat muggy rainy evening that I decided to go out, even if only for 20 minutes (usually about 2 miles for me).  The running just felt amazing and 4 miles later I stopped.  Amazing!  If the muscles are hurting then I'll turn back a little early.  No pressure.

I am toying with the idea of maybe some "fun" races but those typically take place on Saturday mornings and there are two things wrong with that.  I work Saturdays and I don't run in the morning.  I've done one 5K and I hated getting up and my muscles just didn't want to run.  But I do want to get my mileage up from 3-4 miles to at least 5 miles by summer.  I'm working up slowly, as my body tells me.  I am grateful just to run since having foot surgery.  Until then, if you pass me by, don't take offense if I don't stop to talk to you.  I just don't want to stop running!  Happy trails!