Each day, I wake up and go to work. Each day, I sit behind a desk and perform my I.T. tasks without much of a thought. Each day, at lunch I grab my yellow gym bag, change into my running clothes and shoes and hit the road for 45 minutes of enjoyment. Each day, I change, get a shower and head back to work without as much of a thought as to what I just did. Everyday, I usually get asked "How was the weather on your run?" or "How far did you run today?". I answer with a joke or tell them how long and they throw in a "Wow that's far!" or "That's a long time! My lazy ass gets winded walking to the fridge. Keep it up!" as a response and life goes on. People know me around work as that guy who runs and ask questions here and there that I answer without any problems.
Today was different though. I finally had a question that made me stop and think. Someone actually asked me "Why do you run?" Throughout my run today, it was a question that kept my mind pondering and hopefully my reasons here are better than what I mumbled to my co-worker.
So why do I run? Here are a few reasons that I felt summed up my feelings about this.
1. It's cheap. Seriously! It's way better on the wallet than going to a gym. All you have to do is have a pair of shorts, a shirt that you don't mind getting smelly, some socks and running shoes. Ok, I'll give it to you that good shoes are a little pricey and also you'd probably want to invest in some running socks to avoid blisters, but that's really the biggest cost. If you do decide to get serious, then you'll spend a little more on specialty clothing to help keep you cool but honestly, it's less than $100 for a good pair of shoes and that'll last you at least a year or two. Way better than gyms...it's running! Alright, if you do enjoy being competitive, then race entry fees will suck up some $$ but you'll get cool shirts though in return and bragging rights to your friends.
2. It keeps me clean (mostly). Back before I started running, I was a little more into the "alternative chemical" scene than I should have been (plus I had at least a pack-a-day habit). When I started running, it felt so good taking those first steps (which subsequently was about as far as I got that first time) that I started getting the "runner's high" that people talk about but maybe my wheezing also contributed to that. After that though, it started to become almost a daily thing that helped me kick many bad habits (except masturbation and drinking on occasion which strangely go hand in hand). I really feel greatful that I started and will plan on continuing this habit until.....well I don't plan on stopping ever.
3. I feel like a rebel. Alright this is a little of a stretch but stay with me here. Pretty much all of the people that I work with are content with being fat and happy (not that there's anything wrong with it but there are alot of obese desk jockeys there). I feel like when I'm lacing up those shoes to head outdoors, I'm doing something that 99% of the people wouldn't dream of doing. They look at me like I'm wierd but I don't care. I know down inside that I'm enjoying it and even though I'm wearing some questionably short shorts, they're screwed if they had to run for their life.
4. It's versatile and great way to experience the outdoors! Running can be done any day, any time, any where and in any weather. I've run in snow and rain, through rivers and mud pits, over sand dunes and down beaches. I've learned back roads that I never knew existed before. I've seen odd indentions in the forest floor that were surrounded by bones. The best thing is that when you're out there running, you get time to slow down and enjoy what's around you by exploring on your own terms. Driving doesn't let you see the details of the surrounding areas. It's amazing to notice things that you never realized were there due to the hectic schedule of everyday life, plus, it empowers by allowing you to choose where to go.
5. I feel closer to my dad. Ok, this is where things get a little sappy. Sorry to burst your bubble but my dad is still alive. He and I live about 4 hrs. away so we don't get to see each other often but I remember growing up and watching him run races as well as assist him with various local track & field events. Those were about the longest times that I would get to spend with him since he tended to work swing shift and had odd hours. Once in a while when I go home now, he and I will run and enjoy the company we both provide but we never really bonded as much as we could. Running helps me feel like he is a part of my life and connected to him still even though he's not with me. It's wierd, I know, but it helps me feel close despite the distance and as a bonus, it gives us stuff to talk about when I go home.
Hopefully you enjoyed this little insight into my mind and maybe I've inspired someone out there to pick up a pair of running shoes and hit the open road to discover a new life and new places that they tend to miss while going through their everyday routine.
Oh, in case you were wondering, that picture was taken of me starting the final .1 mile of the 2007 Missoula Half-Marathon (my first one!). Amazingly, I've gone on to complete several more since then as they do tend to get addicting.
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From someone who just recently became an avid runner; I LOVE this.
Honestly, for me, my two big reasons for running are 1) it just makes me feel good...must be the endorphins or something, but it really does. And 2) My family health history is pretty bad and I want to stay fit and as healthy as possible. Running is a great way to do it without standing in place like a freaking manikin.
I thought your #3 was hilarious because it's SO true and I've never even really realized it. I'm also wondering if your pun in #2 ("hand-in-hand") was intentional.
I was thinking recently about joining a gym because Im suffering (really suffering) of insomnia and I think excersice might help out. After reading this I think it's definitely a better idea, so Im gonna give it a try.
Good luck to both of you in your running endeavors (I hope that was spelled right and glad you caught the joke)! I'm surprised (and excited) to see that we have some runners around here! I wish the best to both of you and maybe if you're in the SC area sometime, we can grab a run around town. Be safe and happy trails!
The hardest part for me is getting back into it and making it routine. I've always been pretty fit but over the last two years I've really let myself go.
My problem is when I resolve to do it, I push myself too hard. I try and erase 2 years of desk work and bad food in two weeks. It's not enjoyable and I end up slacking off before I get over the hump.
Thanks for the motivation Bigus. This time I'll try starting with brisk walks and take it a week at a time.
I agree, they do indeed get addicting. I just did my first half last year, and I'm doing it again in October!
I'm pretty slow...so I'll never win anything. But just the fact that I finish something makes it worthwhile for me. And the best thing is how cheap it is. All I really need are a good pair of shoes and some pavement!
I saw a shirt last year that said "slow is the new fast". I have adopted that as my unofficial motto.
Yay for running, BD!
I actually thought of something else.
Running is a really good way to ward-off depression.
The runners high is the best! But the pavement was killing my knees so now it's gotta be a treadmill. I have a specially made playlist just for running and it kicks my ass. I always sleep better after a workout. GOOD FOR YOU for sharing this. I look at fat people and wonder, how can you put yourself at rick like that??
Thanks Vicky! Another thing I love about running is that it helps me escape from work. It helps me free my mind and clear my head so I can refocus on things that are more important in my life. Hey adchick, if pavement kills your knees, ever think about trail running? Softer surface and so much more fun than the open road (it's my personal favorite to trail run when I can).