On a run several weeks ago, I encountered a family pulling a little girl in a wagon. As I ran past, she said “Hi,” and I said “Hi,” back. Just as I got past her, she said, “Why are you running?” I was in the zone, and already gone by the time her words hit me. They stuck with me though. Why am I running? As I ran, I thought about this. My first thought was, “Because it’s fun.” This is true…sometimes. It can be fun, but any runner can tell you that it’s not fun 100% of the time. It can be hard, frustrating, painful, and downright maddening. All these things considered, it is also one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done.
Anyone who knows about my background knows that I was never an athlete. Pushing my body to the limit, and accomplishing something on this level, gives me a joy that I never imagined. I am living a life I never thought possible, and it is thanks in large part to running. It sounds crazy, and sometimes I wonder why I do it. Then I remember the indescribable feeling I have when I accomplish something I never thought possible.
I used to see people running and think, “They are crazy! Why would you put your body through that?!” Now I know. I do it because is part of who I am. No matter how fast I go, no matter how far I go, I am a runner.
If you run, why do you do it? If not, insert any other physical activity you enjoy! Why do you do what you do?