I am very passionate about running and I am not afraid to show it. I post about running on Facebook and Twitter. I do post run selfies on Instagram. But why do I love it so much? Why do I want to share my love of running with others?
I have many reasons for being so passionate about running but sometimes struggle to explain my love to others when asked. Since my motivation is so low lately I thought I would write on what running does for me to help get me out the door.
1. Weight loss – A few years ago I hit my highest weight ever. I only had a few pairs of pants that fit. And by fit I mean squeezing into. I decided that was enough. I started running and calorie counting and the weight started coming off. I am now a healthy weight and want to keep it that way and keep improving my body. Running has helped me drop weight and change my body for the positive.
2. Accomplishments – When I started running again I decided to do a 5K. I wanted to the UW-LaCrosse Turkey Trot. I have attempted to run off and on since my early 20s prior to that I hated running. When I was younger my asthma wasn’t well controlled and running was difficult; I couldn’t run a mile as a child. I hadn’t learned how to work with my asthma. I always heard about the UW-LaCrosse Turkey Trot and thought I would never be able to do it. I started running on the treadmill during college. Eventually I could do five miles but I hadn’t attempted much running outside. Life got in the way and I quit the gym and gained weight as priorities shifted. When I decided to lose weight I committed to running out doors. I made the decision to finally tackle that 5K. I did it and it was hard but I did it. It felt amazing to cross the finish line. I did a five miler next. I then started running 5Ks and other shorter distances all the time. Eventually I decided to attempt a half marathon. Another challenge. Another tough race. Another chance to prove to myself that I can do it. Another accomplishment. Racing makes me challenge myself. Can I do this distance? Can I beat my last time? I have now set my sights on a marathon in January. I cannot wait to see if I can do 26.2 miles. I am confident with the right training I can and I will finish it, just like that very first 5K.
3. Camaraderie – I used to always run alone. I never knew anyone else that ran. At first I was ok with this. I didn’t know any better. My dad ran my first 5K with me; it was nice to have someone with you. I went to a lot of races alone. It can be difficult to be alone before and after a race since it is such a social setting. A few times I was able to convince someone to do a race and being able to share the experience makes it much more enriching. Then I joined a running group. I cannot even put into words how amazing a running group can be. They are incredible encouraging and fun. They helped me shave 9 minutes off my half marathon time. We do a lot of the same races and it is just awesome to have others cheering and supporting you. I only hope I encourage them as much as they do me. My running group has become my running family and I am blessed to have found them. I love getting together with them for a run and post run breakfast!
4. Me Time – I am an introvert. I have to be “on” all day at work. When I run I can be me. I don’t have to talk to anyone. I don’t have to act like an extrovert. Running allows me to recover from work. I love putting in my headphones and just go. Running also relieves my daily stresses. My brain is constantly thinking but when I run, I don’t think. My brain finally stops spinning while I run. I don’t have to worry about anything while running. I get to relax and reduce my stress as I recharge my spirit.
There are many smaller reasons for why I run but to me these are the biggest (and I don’t want to bore you much more). Of course I run for health reasons other than just weight loss or stress. I do enjoy other workouts besides running but I do them for different reasons.
What are you passionate about and why?
