why do i run?

one of my favorite blogger’s allie posted on the reasons why she runs (you can find her blog and her entry here).  and with that and even though i do not hit the pavement or treadmill nearly as much as i want and need to, i have decided to piggy back her idea and explain why i run.

we all know i started running about this time last year (holy moly, my runniversy is coming up in may!!) and i did so because i got involved with a little organization called team in training.  i got involved because my friend from middle school and high school was diagnosed with CML (chronic myelogenous leukemia) which is a non-curable, but manageable form of leukemia.  i wanted to do something to show i cared and wanted to help her and find a cure. so. i ran. and i walked. and i ran some more. and i loved it.

so a year later (almost) i am still running and in bullet form, these are my reasons.

• i have a stressful job and sometimes i just need to exhale
• sometimes i need to have a hour alone to myself
• so i can eat cupcakes and lots of them
• the running clothes – so funky and fun
• it gives me a reason to discover more great music
• the running community is just inspiring
• it is an excuse to take a hour away from the office to enjoy the weather
• there is nothing like crossing the finish line of a marathon – total sense of accomplishment – even more than graduating college
• finishing ANY race is a feat and makes you thankful and grateful for your abilities
• i have a legitimate excuse to go get a massage
• knowing that you have burned 1000 calories before most people are awake is a pretty awesome feeling
• it reminds me to shave my legs more than 2 times per week
• you cannot rely on anyone else to make you do well – how you do is all a direct result of how you prepared
• the free tech tees at the end of races. oh and the medals
• i can eat brownies and cookies without feeling too guilty
• i know that if i am ever being chased i can make it pretty far and hopefully escape
• Most importantly, it’s all about the mental toughness
• last but certainly not least – because i want to and because i can

think about it … why do you run?!