Obviously, since you're reading this blog, you know that I'm pretty passionate about running (but not in they way you'd think - more on that later). And if you know me in the "real" world, you've probably heard me babble on about training plans, shoes, gear, races, and "bling." You've probably even been a victim of my scheme to coerce my friends and family to register for races with me.
A co-worker told me today that she hates running. Hates it. She said it's boring, it hurts, and it's just no fun. I looked her squarely in the eye and said "I know." She was shocked. I explained that I don't, actually, routinely enjoy the process of running. It is boring. It does hurt. So why do I do it?
It's a question asked not just by her, but also by the NRD page today, and one that I ask myself a lot. Why? The conclusion I've reached over the many miles of pavement is that it's the feeling of accomplishment afterwards. I'm a late convert to running. I was not athletic in high school or college - I preferred curling up with a good book or movie to going outside and doing something. If you'd told me 5 years ago that I'd be running half marathons and training for a full, I'd've suggested you visit a shrink.
Maybe it's because of that history that today, whether it's the shortest training run, a 5K or 10K race, or a Half Marathon, there's just that feeling when I'm done - no matter how much it may have sucked at the time, when it's over, it's something I'm proud of - really proud of. That's why I run. Every time I start out, it's with the anticipation of being done and the pride of having done it.
That's a long explanation for something that's really very simple: I run because I can. I run because I didn't. I run because I'm proud.
Today's stats:
- 10 min. warm-up walk
- 3.44 mi run; 00:45:00 min; 13:04 min/mi avg pace
Well put. I completely understand where you're coming from. Some days I question why I put myself through it and then I do my run and that's when I remember :)!
ReplyDeleteLove love love the way you worded this! :0) Great job on the run on NRD!!
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