“Why do you pay to run?” some ask. Well, if I have to explain it to you, you already don’t understand, and you probably won’t until you do it for yourself. I’m honestly so sick of answering this question. I’m not just paying for a T-shirt and a medal. I don’t pay to run until I have blisters or chaff so bad I bleed.

1. There’s nothing like running downhill into a finish line through a crowd of strangers cheering your name as they read your bib and hold up hilarious signs about short Kardashian marriages.

2. Training through adversity, inclement weather, or not training at all makes the free beer at the finish line taste that much better.

3. You are essentially running for a better world.

Whether you’re running to inspire other people, running to be healthier or even running to raise money, you are out there moving and doing great things.

4. Outfits.

Gearing up for a race is half the battle especially with an ever-changing climate like where I live. I’ve run marathons in scorching hot sun, pouring down rain and in blizzard-like hail storms, and I wouldn’t trade those experiences for anything. When you have the perfect leggings with matching shoes and tank, you look and feel incredible.

5. You get to wear a bib as an adult. Enough said.

6. There are companies who will mail you pairs of test shoes so that you can try them out, tell them how they felt and be a part of the way new running shoes are made and marketed.

The future is in your hands—or um, in your feet!

7. For as much as you put into running, it gives back so much more.

There’s just something about the wind blowing in your face, shoes hitting the pavement, arms pumping, knowing you are the only one who can make yourself go faster and make yourself reach that PR goal. Whether it’s the first in your age group, last in the entire race, or anywhere in between, the strength that it takes to get out and get going is something nobody can take away from you.

8. Expos.

Your favorite athletic gear, snacks and people are all in one place. From free samples to photo ops and amazing guest speakers, if you have not yet run somewhere who holds an expo, sign up today! It will never disappoint.

9. You get to experience amazing cities in ways you may never have thought of if it wasn’t for the amazing course designers, from one mile fun runs to ultras.

Every city truly offers something for everyone, no matter what age or ability.

10. You have the chance to befriend beyond amazing people you may never have gotten to meet at all if it wasn’t for running.

Whether they support you in your fundraising for charity racing, wait for you at the finish line, write you inspirational notes, or hold your hand through every race right alongside you, your running family will always be there for you.

If you haven’t tried it yet, what’s stopping you?