Anyone that has ever had a conversation with me has probably heard a thing or two about how I like to run. This is partially because the only other things I like to do are watch Netflix and talk to my dog and cat, but it is also because running is that important to me. It also seems almost obligatory for every runner/writer combo to write something about running. So, here it goes.
In a way, I am going to talk about the reasons I love running. By this I mean I would like to talk about things I run from, things I run to, and things I run from.
I run from my demons. I run from the people that tell me I'm too skinny; I run from the people that tell me runners aren't athletes. I run from everything in my day to day life that annoys, saddens or angers me. However, more importantly, I run from things within myself. I run from the little voice in my head that tells me I'm not good enough. I run from my natural couch state of being, and I run from my own boredom.
I run to my own health and happiness. I run to push my limits. I run to feel the elation of reaching one of my goals. I run to prove to myself that I can accomplish things that I never thought I could. I run to give myself a strong and fit body. I run to give myself a sharp mind (I'm a large believer that a healthy body goes hand in hand with a healthy mind). I run to keep myself sane; running is my escape from reality. I run to being happy because it makes me happy--really, truly happy--to see what I've accomplished, what I have yet to accomplish, what running has done for my health and body and especially for the people that have come into my life because of running.
These people mentioned are what I run for. I run for my family, in hopes of making them proud. I run for the people that would not be in my life without running. This means all of my teammates and coaches, past, present and future. These are the people that push me more than anyone else. These are the people that help me run from all the things I want to escape, and run to the things I would like to accomplish. Almost as importantly as these people, I run for myself. I run because it makes me a better person in the way the I use my legs as a vehicle to escape my demons and get to what makes me happy. I run for the sake of getting better and for the way my body feels when I run.
A few weeks ago I was out for a run one morning, and as I often do in the summer, I saw an elderly man enjoying the nice weather. However, this gentleman was not out for a nice stroll with his wife or his dog. He was out running. This man I saw must have been at least 75 years old and was out running in five inch inseam Nike running shorts, sunglasses and his shirt off. I jokingly mentioned to a few people that I thought I saw a glimpse into my future with this old man. I can only hope this to be true. It is a great dream of mine to continue running and being a part of the running community.
