Why I Run

Five months into the year, and I have racked up 16.2 of the 50 miles in races I have resolved to run.

I am an OK runner.  One of the things I love about running is that if you are a recreational runner and not tremendously competitive, you're usually out to beat your best time - not necessarily to win races or break records.  So by "OK" I mean that I am not super fast, or one to run ultras (26.2+ miles), or on a crazy running streak (there are people who haven't missed a SINGLE DAY of running in 10-15-20 years!).  "OK" means that I run consistently, I enjoy it, and I am pretty healthy.

But why do I love running and why have I stuck with it?  Some of the reasons are obvious and heard often (e.g. it keeps you in shape), some are not.  Here are a few:

• I love to eat and drink.  I really, really do.  Especially booze and chocolate.  And anything bacon.  And burgers from B-Spot.  And did I mention booze?  Running seems to counter this for me. 
• I love running outside in the morning, before most people are even awake.  I love starting with the moon still up and ending when the sky is getting light in the East, running in the street without worrying about cars.
• It is amazing to see so many different runners and walkers in races, from local 5Ks to big marathons.  I am impressed by the nervous, first-time runners in the mid- to back-of-the-pack, much more so than I am by the super-fast "elites," chomping at the bit right at the start line.  It takes a lot more courage to run your first race than your 15th or 100th.
• I love Jelly Belly sport beans.  Candy that is good for you?  Woo hoo! 
• I love the rare runs when I feel like I could do it forever.  Sometimes, running feels really hard, like slogging through mud.  Many times, it feels OK, but I am still glad when I'm done.  But once in awhile, it feels really good - my breathing is even, the aches and pains are minimal, and I feel fast.  Maybe that's the so-called "runners' high?"  Who knows.  It's enough of a good feeling to keep me pursuing it.
• Finally, running increases my confidence.  In all aspects of my life, things often don't turn out like I want.  I screw up.  I get mad.  I disappoint myself and others.  But I've kept running. Every early run, every race bib pinned to my bulletin board, every hill I run up without stopping to walk helps me to know that I can set goals and I can achieve.