Why I Run, Really

Why do we run? 

A nonrunning friend posed this question to me as I recounted a few of the stories from Chicago marathon on Sunday.  He had listened patiently, but honestly wasn't convinced that these stories were anything more than a bunch of crazy people with nothing better to do on a hot Sunday morning.   It was in this discussion that he asked: "Why do people run?...  Why do runners push themselves so hard?...  So hard that it hurts or they are in pain?...  Are you just plain crazy?"

I don't have the one universal answer to his questions.  But I tried to explain a few of the reasons why people run.  You know I love this topic so I have an arsenal full of great reasons from lots of great runners.  So I told him about all the great reasons from many wonderful runners like:

My list at the end of July list, and how Rob chatted about "fighting the desire to quit". 

My early August list that had many examples showing that running isn't about an activity, but instead about becoming something more.

My late August list of "Why I Run", Ian's  description of running being almost like meditation.

And then to my mid September list, where Lora's reason still rings in my head.  She says she runs for "soulful experiences, powerful situations and deep moments of appreciation".

And to sum it up, I borrowed a great phrase from Jennifer from last week, who says: 

I am a runner. I love it. It's no longer what I do, but it is an important part of who I am. Passions are like that; they grip us.

Passion.  That is a great word to describe the feelings many runners have about this "sport". 

But yet, he was unmoved.  He just didn't get it.

Made me feel kinda' bad for this fellow not to know what I was talking about. Not one to give up, I took a deep breath and unleashed a rambling, realistic view of why I run.  I tried to put it in terms he could understand.  It went something like this:

I run so...I have the patience to explain to my kids for the thousandth time that candy corn is not a vegetable.  It is merely a coincidence that they harvest the corn around our house at the same time it shows up in stores.  And that they shouldn't bite into a real pumpkin because it tastes nothing like the little candy pumpkins that are next to the little candy corns.

I run so... I can stand the sound of flip-flops... I have the will power to sit and smile patiently through unplanned drop in's of coworkers ranting about topics that don't matter... I have the endurance to work through lunch and sometimes dinner... I have the brainpower to finish the mind-numbing complex work that has to be done in minimal time and with not enough money or resources.   

I run so...I can listen to a 20 minute nonstop dissertation on the best and worst Pokemon, which kid has what card, what Pokemon crap we desparately need - and do so with a "I am so interested in what you are saying" smile the entire time...I can reward myself with time on the floor with my kids playing puzzles or coloring without thinking how I need to get up and do something.

I run so...I can eat cookies in large quantities but mitigate the effects...I can stay in the same size jeans - because shopping for jeans that need to be a size larger is a hundred times worse than running for hours...My beer tastes even better.

I run so...I have a few minutes of peace to myself...I allow myself to do only one thing at a time while running - there are no phones, email, or urgent other issues....I have a chance to catch my breath even though sometimes I run hard enough I lose it.

I run so...I have the core strength to vaccuum at super human speeds...My legs are strong enough to chase after kids who escape...I spend 30 minutes less in my house each day looking at the corners and cobwebs that need to be cleaned.

I run so...nonrunners seem less annoying.  :}  I did throw that into the end just to see if he was still listening to my ranting. 

I think I may have got through to him on the "few minutes of peace"....

Whatever your reasons (share 'em!), best wishes for a great fall run today!

Bumper sticker by bryanbope

Just Run by jc1985

Comments

[The Laminator]

Thanks for your list. Needed it to push myself to run in the rain this morning.

I personally think that when it comes down to it, we run because that's what we are. Running isn't something we do; it isn't a job. It's something that makes up the fabric of what are as individuals and as human beings. We run because it's an expression of our soul. Isn't that why we all say, "I Run Therefore I Am."

Thanks again for the great post.

[Danielle in Iowa]

Ah gees, now I need to get my lazy butt up and go running. Good thing it is a glorious fall morning!

[Runnin' Ragged]

"I have a chance to catch my breath even though sometimes I run hard enough I lose it." That is the excact reason I run...thanks for putting it into words!

Gotta love Pokemon and ranting coworkers!

[nwgdc]

i run because we often think pleasure is found in the absence of pain. so we try and avoid pain, and only wind up with more pain! i see it every day in the office! "for when i am weak, then i am strong!"

[Vanilla]

I run because I'm a runner. You just can't explain it to someone who doesn't get it. I run because it doesn't just make me stronger, it makes me FEEL stronger.

[Andria]

They all sound like good reasons to me! The few minutes of quiet personal time are at the top of my list, but I like the not having to shop for larger jeans one too!

[Database Diva]

I run because the human body wasn't designed to sit for 12-18 hours/day. It was designed to walk and run.

I run because my non-running self is very tense, and can be a danger to my self and others.

I run because it is the best known cure for "mental constipation".

I run because while I am running I feel completely in control of my life.

I run because the sensation of my arms, legs, heart and lungs working together is one of the simplest pleasures of life.

People who know me usually nod so hard at reason #2, they nearly sprain their necks!

[IM Able]

I run because it makes life look that much easier in comparison.

[Allison]

I run to save myself thousands of dollars in therapy. :) Running IS therapy!!

[Nat]

I started running for physical fitness. I keep running for mental fitness.(I love what Diva said about being stressed and dangerous. Like today.)

I run because when I am running there is nothing else but my desire to keep moving.
I run for solitude.
I run because they told me I would never be a runner.
I run because I know I can go farther.
I run to see the world and meet other people like me.
I run so I am not always It when The Boy and I play tag. (But I sometimes let him win when we run down the block together.) And really, there is nothing better than running with a amost-7 year old -- who think it's hysterical that he can beat Mom at something. :)

[Taryn]

Amen to the bit about the jeans! You just gave me my running inspiration for the day!!!

[Amy]

Wow - all of your reasons are so much fun to read! I've got to tell you that I was supposed to be taking it easy today (no real running - just walking) - but I couldn't take it and busted out a few miles because of all these reasons.

And like you - I FELT stronger, there was no need for therapy, life seemed a bit easier, and it is so damn enjoyable!

[Nancy]

Hmmm, there are several.

I run because I want to uncover Runner Body :)
I run so I can use that cool Garmin
I run for the ME time
I run to be able to say that I did and see those looks of horror, "you did HOW much?"
I run because it makes me feel strong
I run because I worked so hard to build up this little base -- I don't want to let it go like I have so many times before.
I run to write my next blog post :)
I run because, for some reason, it brings out some of my better qualities, and I hope they will translate to the rest of my life.
I run because I can

[Amanda]

Until you become a runner, you just don't understand it...but it's addictive and there are so many reason to run, once you start it's hard to remember why you didn't!

[bill carter]

I run because I can't not run. I guess that is it in a nutshell for me.

As always, great writing Amy.

[Amy]

I run for so many reasons but today I like this one:

"I run so that I can always see that muscle in my quad that looks so hot when it's in shape."

[Viper]

Right on about the beer. That should be reason enough.

[coach outlet store]

This is the one we did, isn't it??? It's one of my all time favorite runs.

[マジコン]

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