If you didn’t know, today is National Running Day. Even if you aren’t a runner, there is no time like the present to get out there! What better day to start running than today? You don’t have to have a grand plan or run a set number of miles or have a fancy pair of shoes (yet). Just go outside or hit the treadmill at the gym and let it go! If you are a walker, add a few 30 second runs to your walk today.
Running has changed from something that I feared and loathed to an activity that I really look forward to (most days). In April of 2007, I hit the streets of my subdivision armed with my new Nike+ Ipod and a pair of Asics GT-2130s (fitted at a running store of course). Yes, I was all geared up before I even knew if I would enjoy running! That’s just how I operate. My sister had thrown down the gauntlet of completing a Thanksgiving half marathon and there was no way I would not accomplish that task.
I ran two miles without stopping that day having no idea how far I could go or how fast I would run. I give thanks to the aerobic demands of Cathe Friedrich workouts for allowing me to get that far on no running ability whatsoever. I ran my first race, a 4 miler in late June and I have not looked back since. I have completed 40 road and trail races since that time and I look forward to completing hundreds more in what I know will be a lifelong endeavor.
I run because it makes me feel strong…
I run for the challenge of doing better than I did last time…
I run because it makes me feel alive…
I run because I didn’t think it was something I could do…
I run for the chubby girl who couldn’t run a mile during the Presidential Physical Fitness Challenge in middle school to save her life…
Why do you run? If you don’t run – why not?
I run because I can. It is not always pretty when I am not consistently trained, but I push myself to make it prettier. I also run because it is fun to get outside. I don’t do the dreadmill – not even in winter here in Colorado (that is what yak trax are for).
I don’t think I’ll ever be a pretty runner!
I have become very appreciative and amazed lately with what my body can do. It is nice to focus on the positive instead of all the stuff I need to work on.
I’m not a runner. I’m a walker. I don’t run because it hurts my boobs even with a sports bra on. Is that tmi? It kinda felt like it lol
That is a totally valid concern! The post-pregnancy days when that was a big issue are far behind me now (add a tinge of sadness here) but I get it. I’ve heard great things about Enell Sports Bras. They are designed for well-endowed women.
I run, honestly, because there was a time when I couldn’t. It’s a near-daily reminder of my strength and illustrates what I am able to accomplish with the right mindset and physical determination.
I must say, your wealth of experience in racing and events is draw-dropping. 40!? Very inspiring, girl!
I know some of your story and I find it amazing that you do what you do! Running is hard even when you don’t have any health challenges.
I can’t believe I’ve done that many either but it’s true! Our local track club is great for hosting free (with membership) events every month.
LOVE it! I run because there is no greater physical challenge than going all out from point A to point B. I run because I’m addicted to the adrenaline rush. I run because when the run is over, I feel invincible. I run because walking is the easy way out.
I run because I want to. I run because I never thought I could.
Walking is the easy way out. I love it! But when you are walking up really steep hills in the woods that doesn’t feel like the truth LOL!
I totally meant to say “jaw-dropping,” lol! I probably saw the comment about bras and … just, Lawd!
I shouldn’t be allowed on the internet.
loved this!
Thanks! I have found inspiration in several of your posts…especially the “Reset Theory” one!
I am resetting as we speak.
I run to push myself.. I run to be healthy..I run for a challenge.
Sometimes I feel like I push myself with every step I take. Running rarely comes easy for me at all.
I started running because I’m a pear shaped woman who heard more than a few times that my top and bottom halves look like they belong on two different people. Running was the quickest, easiest way for me to tone and define my legs.
I keep running because I can. Even though I only do short distances, it’s something I never imagined myself doing and I get a great sense of accomplishment from it.
Has it helped? I’ve always been smaller on top but thicker on the bottom too. Nothing seems to lean out my legs – running and lifting just make them tighter and more muscular instead of flabby and jiggly. I just have to learn to embrace my tree trunks!
I don’t sleep on short distances AT ALL. It takes a special kind of person to smoke a 5K. That is pure pain right there.
i didnt know today was national running, but i planned to run today anyhow.
so why do i run? because, once i discovered it in hs and saw what i could do, i get some sort of pleasure in pushing my body to do more. at this age(44), it feels good! i guess at some point i’ll look in to joining my local running club. you really provide some good information on your blog!
I love that (barring injury) running is something you can do forever. I smile when I see older men and women out running – most of them have been at it for years. There is something very admirable about doing anything for 20-30 years!
Local running clubs are the ‘ish! Or maybe it depends on the city? All I know is that the Atlanta Track Club is great!
I used to run/walk but I would love to truly run and be called a runner. Which Cathe Friedrich workouts would you recommend? I feel as though I am starting from *scratch*…again
Girl I read on your blog that you completed the Goofy Challenge! You ARE a runner!
As for Cathe, she was my introduction to pure cardio workouts. I would never dream of doing anything cardio related for 60+ minutes before. I was more of a FIRMie before only doing weights+cardio. Do you have a step? A step is needed for most of her stuff even if the workout isn’t a full step aerobics workout. IMAX 2 is a classic. 10 intervals with a very short step section and then a cardio blast. HIIT from the Shock Cardio series is killer too. I started out with LoMax which is formatted like IMAX2 but low impact so no plyo jacks and that kind of thing. Still killer – lots of lunges and stuff that get you tired.
I don’t know if I LOVE running yet – but I run because it makes me push through when I think I can’t and do things that I didn’t think I could before – and that carries over into a whole lot of other areas in my life.
I am probably 30/70 between loving running and doggedly sticking to it because it challenges me so much.
Run like the wind..dah dah dah dun dun dun!
I used to run until crippling shin splints forced me to walk. I did love that runner’s high!
Seems like that should be fixable at some point? Maybe you are a candidate for the barefoot/minimalist running movement that is sweeping the running nation?
I really enjoyed this post! I hollered at my memory of the President’s Challenge. My particular school was real big on it. I was successful, earning recognition for being doing the most sit ups in 60 sec even beating the boys! and completing the mile! I remember being so proud! LOL! I don’t run per se… I run/walk I would be siked to become a full runner but I do get pleasure from what I do accomplish when I’m on the trails. Keep up the good work you’re and awesome role model.
I dreaded that challenge every time it came up. Remember the exercise with the box to test your flexibility? I think that is what I was best at! My mile time was 16+ back then and that was with run/walking I believe. They told us to run the straights and walk the curves on the track.
That’s one of the mysteries of the universe — why can’t I run. I’ve always wanted to run. I still have dreams where I’m running but even as a kid, I just never could run. At 68 years of age, I can still jump rope no problem, and I walk. Last month I tried giving running another stab. I told myself walk 60 seconds, run 60 seconds. Tried it and the running part was the longest 60 seconds of my life. Whereas the runners around me were going clip, clip, clip with their feet. I sounded more like thud thump thud thump. I’m just one of those people. There’s something missing in my DNA. No matter how hard I try, I can’t cook and I can’t run.
I’ll give you the running thing but you have to be able to cook something! Everyone can make spaghetti at least! FWIW, I’m not exactly a graceful giselle when I run.