Why run?

Why do I run? This has been a question not only I have proposed to myself multiple times, but many people have asked me this very question. Why run?? Obviously people know most of the health benefits of running (except some people believe running gives you bad knees. It doesn't). Well, I am sure most people actually have a different answer to this, so here is mine.

First let me give you a background of what peaked my interest in running to begin with. For most of my childhood, I did not like running just to run. I LOVED running when playing basketball, football, etc, however, I never went outside to just run.

Mine can be traced really to a couple of factors, first being, reading my best friend Steve's blog, and the many amazing adventures running in the beautiful land of British Columbia.

The other significant reason behind me starting to run was going to watch a relative complete a marathon. I have said it before and I will say it again, there are few things on this earth more motivating than standing at the finish line of a marathon and watch people complete such a task. It almost makes you emotional just watching it. It was at this point when I said the famous last words. "I want to run a marathon."

Anyways, back to where I was going before I gave you my background on how I got into running. Why do I run? Well to be perfectly honest, I am not quite sure I can answer this question completely, as I think I am still trying to figure this out myself.

Why run? I can tell you, few things are as rewarding as running for me personally. I LOVE watching me progress, grow, and improve in all facets of running. There is always something you can improve, shoot for, or try to achieve no matter what kind of runner you are or want to be. This I believe is the addicting part of running. There are times during each run where you can find areas of improvement. You can beat your body to oblivion, and after your body allows you the ability to walk again, you have the desire almost immediately to get back out there and try to improve, despite what you put your body through such a short time ago. So I think this is part of the reason why I run.

Why run? In addition to the addiction of self improvement, another addicting factor to running racing is the amazing atmosphere before, during, and after each running event. Each running event however, has it's own energy and feel to it. The butterflies, worrying about using the bathroom enough to where you don't need to go during the race. Which never happens by the way as it seems like about mile two or three you are in need of a Honey Bucket. Anyways, standing at the starting line with thousands of other people, all there for different reasons, but with the same goal, to finish. If you have never experienced it, you don't know what I am talking about. It is truly AWESOME!!! You can also add the feeling of crossing the finish line to the amazing feeling department as well, though for some reason I prefer the energy of the beginning of the races.

Why run? Where else are you going to be able to enjoy such amazing scenery without taking a long hiking trip which may take you hours, or days to accomplish, when you can see the amazing scenery in a matter of hours. There are few things more rewarding than standing on top of various peaks, and enjoying the amazing scenery around you. Knowing it took you maybe a couple of hours to go see the amazing scenery, where it might take most others many hours. Lastly, the look they give you as you come tromping by at crazy speeds, especially at 9,000 plus feet is a bonus.

Why run? Talk about a great stress reliever! Especially after a hard day at work, home, etc.


Why run? Perhaps most importantly for me, it gives me time to just think. About just anything imaginable. Few times during the course of a day or week is your mind just free to roam, almost in a zen like fashion. It is almost like a therapy of the mind for me.

Why run? Because physically, mentally and emotionally, I NEED IT! That is why I run! I think.