Why I Run

“If you are losing faith in human nature, go out and watch a marathon.” ― Kathrine Switzer, women’s marathoning pioneer

Every now and then, someone who hears about my hobbies asks me why I run.

I’m not an especially fast runner. More often than not, I’ve placed in the bottom half of the marathons and half-marathons that I’ve run.

I don’t have the prototypical runner’s body. In the running world, I’m a 5’3” penguin who is constantly chasing after the gazelles – the sinewy athletes who run at lightning-fast speeds with a breathtaking ease and a natural grace that makes their movements look effortless.

I run… because I like the physical benefits such an activity bestows. I like how alive I feel when my heart is thumping as I dart up hills or sprint across flats. I like how my legs look in skirts and shorts. I like getting a verbal gold star from my doctor after she takes my blood pressure during my annual physical exam.

I run… because I like the mental challenges that long-distance races present. I like having to push my body beyond what I think its limits are. I like having to callous my mind to discomfort. I like competing against that little voice inside my head that wants to quit. I like reminding myself what I’m made of.

I run… because I like the primordial peace of solo runs and because I like the infectious energy of group runs. One of the wonderful things about running is that it can be as solitary or as social a pursuit as you choose. Some days, I need time alone for self-reflection. Other days, I need the laughter and camaraderie of the group. Friendships forged from three and four-hour-long group training runs are like no other.

But… above all else, I run, quite simply, because I can.

Many of us are blessed with the precious gift of good health. I feel both the need to be grateful for this gift and an obligation to care for it. To merely “rent space” in my body would be to dishonour every person who lacks the physical capability to run, walk, climb, dance, etc., and who can only dream of doing so.

If you’ve thought about getting fit or trying a new athletic challenge… Bravo! You’ve taken the first step of a journey towards better health. I encourage you to take the second step – the one where you give life to your fitness thoughts by taking action. If you need resources or support, take advantage of the helpful staff at your local Running Room, or better yet, sign up for one of the many training programs available for novice and experienced runners alike.

Remember, every achievement starts with the decision to try!