I have been thinking a lot about inspiration and why I really run. I don’t know if it’s because I love the fact that it keeps me healthy. I don’t know if it’s because when I run I am stress-free. I don’t know if it’s because every time I finish running I feel a sense of accomplishment. I really don’t know exactly why I run. All I know is that I love to run.
I have heard so many people say throughout the years that they are not, nor ever will be, a runner. I once thought that about myself as well. I couldn’t imagine pushing myself to limits that I believed my body could never conquer. Then, one day I did it. And, like Forrest Gump, “I just kept running.” There was no real goal in mind. I never said, “I’m running to get in shape” or “I’m running to win a race.” I just ran to, well, run. All of the other things like getting healthy, being stress- free and feeling accomplished just sort of became a bonus.
I realized how much I love running the first time I got sick a few months after I started. All I could think about was how badly I wanted to run again. I wanted to run even when my nose profusely dripped from the effects of a cold I had caught while running my first 5k race in 30 degree weather and 30 mph winds. I knew I had a desire that went deeper than expected and fueled me daily.
I may not be the best, fastest, or even the most accomplished runner. But, what I am most proud of is that I keep running. Sure there are days when it seems like another task that is too daunting to take on, but then I finish my run, stop my watch, and know why I continue. I wish I could tell you why I keep running, but, well, if you are not a runner I would like for you to try it for yourself and then I will not have to explain a thing. For those of you that are runners…you know why.
(Here is a link for a Couch to 5k program for beginning runners.)
Running On Empty 
As a fellow runner, I totally get you. We don’t just like running. We don’t even just love running. We actually *need* to run. At the beginning of this year I was out with a serious injury for three months, and I actually thought I was going insane. The first day that I was allowed to run again was a joyful day indeed, even if I could only manage one very slow and uncomfortable mile. It took many months of running for the purpose of rehabilitation to get the point of being able to run for the sheer love of it.
I know exactly what you mean! I went crazy not running for two weeks recently to let my ankle heal. The first time I ran my mile I wanted to run so much faster but I knew I shouldn’t…it drives you insane. I never thought running would become a need…but I love that it has!
keep running. nice post
how fit were you when you started to run? i like running, but i get disheartened if it doesn’t go well. i’m not very fit at the moment, and always think that i need to push myself to change that. would you say it’s important to pace yourself?
pace yourself, pace yourself pace yoursefl…yes…very important. Honestly, I was never really “fit.” I did weight training, but I hated anything cardio. I always felt like I didn’t have the stamina and like you I felt disheartened when it didn’t go well. I still have problems pacing myself because I always want to run for speed, which can lead to disappointment. I have had to learn to just run, so sometimes I won’t even wear a watch. Why add the pressure of time? You would be amazed how far you can actually run if you just pace yourself. If you said, ok, I am going to run 3 miles today…I bet you can do it…but, take your time. I am still nursing an ankle injury because I didn’t want to pace myself. I have noticed that when running there will be good days and bad days. Sometimes you will just want to stop and sometimes you will feel like you can run forever…that’s just part of it. I have run 5k’s that beat the crap out of me and I have run some that were much easier. A lot of times it depends on how you feel that day. The trick is to never get discouraged and just know that some days won’t go as well as you hope…just keep running.