5 Things About Why I Run

Did you know that it is National Running Day tomorrow?! So exciting! To celebrate – besides doing the obvious and going for a run – my friend Jessie from The Right Fits created a link up asking people why they run.

I thought I would join the fun and say 5 things about why I run.

I run…

1. To stay fit. This one is probably pretty obvious – running helps keep me fit and healthy. I can burn a lot of calories in a short amount of time. This is great, because I like food. But also, running can help relieve stress, prevent disease, improve cardiovascular health, slow aging, etc., etc. Running just offers so many great things!
2. For the challenge. Let’s face it, running can be hard. It’s too hot, it’s too cold, my legs hurt, I’m tired, 9 miles is a long way, it takes too much time, etc. But I do like a good challenge and running definitely gives me that. Training for marathons (or any race, really) is no easy task. It’s a lot of time, dedication, and work, but the payoffs are huge… and it can be pretty fun too.
3. For the runners high. I get really good runners high. Even after a run where all I can think about is, “This is the worst. Why am I doing this? I am never signing up for another marathon.” I get sudden amnesia, feel awesome, love running all over again, and start researching different races. Those endorphins are just really, really awesome and make me feel like I can basically do anything. Because I can, right?
4. For the friends and the running buddies. I have met so many awesome, wonderful, and inspiring people since I have started running. Many of them will remain friendly faces on the sidewalks, strangers at races, and acquaintances at best, but many of them have turned into great friends and awesome running buddies. It’s because of these people that I wake up for a 5:30am run, sign up for another race, and push myself to become better. They help make running really fun.
5. Because I like it. This is the core of it. The reasons listed above are great, but I wouldn’t run if I didn’t like it. I used to hate it actually, but then I realized that I could run and that I did like it and I’ve been hooked ever since. Sure, I don’t enjoy every second of every run, but at the end of the day it’s one of my favorite things to do.

And to prove it, here’s some running pics from over the years:

So that’s it, 5 things about why I run.

Show off why you run by downloading this bib and posting a picture on Facebook, Instagram, and/or Twitter with #NationalRunningDay. If you tag @tcmarathon you could maybe win some prizes!

To celebrate National Running Day I will be meeting up with a group of friends/running buddies at 5:30am to go for a run. How will you be celebrating??

PS –National Donut Day on June 5, so I’m going to be celebrating that one later this week.