Why I Run

It is 3pm.
I am done with classes for the day, and I don't have work.
It is cold and slippery-slick outside.
I have a massive load of homework and my student teaching application to fill out.
I am recovering from a cold and still hacking up my lungs.

What do I decide to do?

I go running.

Yes, I am insane.

I like to consider myself a health nut, but the truth is, I'm not a nut...maybe a legume of some kind, but not a hard, salty peanut. I don't want to train for marathons like my dad. I do not participate in track.
So why do I run?

I thought about that today while I was changing my school clothes for my running gear. It began when I graduated high school and moved away from all I knew. My dad is a marathon runner and my younger sister was a varsity cross-country and track runner as a high-school freshman. I guess I was inspired by them and wanted to do better in keeping myself healthy and active.
In highschool, I used to go to work to relieve stress. I worked at a fast paced, family oriented pizza buffet and it kept me on my toes.

Now, I think that my reasons for running has changed.

I run because I can. I am healthy and fit enough to exert my legs. I run because I play volleyball and soccer and want to be at my peak.
I run because I like a challenge. Every day I try a different speed, or a different length, a different incline, or I include a couple stairs or suicides.
I run because I like the high--I feel good afterward, especially if I run without stopping once. The pink tinge it gives my cheeks, I feel makes me attractive. I run for self-confidence.

I run because I am stressed. I realize that now. I run because for the 45 minutes, I am only focusing on one thing--keep my body moving. Keep my feet plodding, listen to the music in my iPod cheering me on, keep my breathing steady. I can forget about everything elese--school work, work, challenges, social life, everything.

But, ultimately, I think I run because it is adventure. I don't run on a track--I run outside, around the town. I take a different route everytime. Running, I am smooth. I am the wind. I am flying.  I am an adventurer, discovering new places, new people.

So, yes. Call me insane--I agree. But, I run because I want to.

BTW...this is my new mantra. I have it hanging on the wall in my room.

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