I saw a friend of mine post a video asking "Why Do You Run?" Needless to say, it was one of the more motivational videos I've ever seen. After a friend of mine wrote about why she runs, I decided I wanted to actually pen my thoughts on it.
I've never been what you would consider a "runner". I grew up playing the usual sports (Baseball, Soccer, etc...). Running was always considered a painful aspect of P.E. that you had to complete once a month in school. Recently though, running has become significantly more prevalent in my life as I have become fully engulfed with Triathlon. Through this sport I've finished every running distance from 5K to Marathon, and especially with the latter I get asked why you would want to put yourself through not only the grueling demands of race day but the training it takes to finish. Here's what I came up with:
I run now because it's an escape. That may seem a little bit of an inflated comment to some, but if you think about it it's not that far from the truth. It's a chance at a clear head for however long you want to go. You're only commitment to that time is putting one foot in front of the other. There is no email, no blackberries, no Iphones, no Outlook, no "action items". You can take all the other details that you deal with on a daily basis, and set them aside for the 30, 40, 60mins you decide to go.
I run because it provides so much information about who you are. You'd be surprised what you can get out of your body in the final 200m of a race. You can be incredibly humbled as someone twice your age blows by you as if you are standing still. You can be in awe as someone with a physical disability is out completing an event that most able bodied people won't even dare try. Lastly, you can be amazed at how clear you're able to see the success of your training and commitment.
So, to answer the question of "Why do you run?" mine would have to be this: I run because it is such a simple a basic activity capable of providing so much. It can be an escape, a goal, a test, a job for some, a way to a healthier life, or just simply something that makes you smile.
Why do you run?
You have a blog!! Thank you for posting this video on FB so I could watch it, be inspired to write about it, and in turn encourage you to share why you run. I loved reading this. Beautifully stated. I feel like I know you a little better now. Keep up the great work, Brian. I have a feeling this is going to be one great season for you...you're just getting started.
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Love this post. I wholeheartedly agree with your second-to-last paragraph.
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