Sometimes I wonder why I love running so much. Yes, it’s helped me lose weight and get in shape. There are other ways to stay in shape, though. After a bad day, a run helps me relax and unwind. But a glass of wine or bubble bath does the same thing. I’ve set running goals and accomplished them, but I could set other goals and accomplish them as well.
What is it about running that holds such a great appeal?
Let’s be honest: running sucks most of the time. It’s hard. I’ve suffered through 3 stress fractures, foot pain, blisters, and fatigue since I started this running journey a few years ago. Running, especially when you’re training for a long race, takes discipline, commitment, and sacrifice. Why do I want to spend hours of my weekends running when I could be curling up with a good book or watching a Netflix marathon with my family? I could just do a 30-minute aerobic or strengthening DVD and call it a day. Why am I putting myself through this?
Last night I was reminded of why I run.
As my blog post indicated yesterday, I was stressed. It had been a few days since I’d run, so I was anxious to put on my running gear and go outside. The weather has cooled down significantly this week, and we’ve had quite a bit of rain, but last night was PERFECT running weather. It was in the upper 50’s by the time I set out on my run. The run felt GOOD. I ran 3.1 miles and I ran the entire time. No need for a walk break. No need to slow down. I got into a groove and just ran. No pain or soreness anywhere. No tummy issues. I felt strong and fast and FREE. All of the stress from the day just melted away and when I got home, I felt euphoric.
I think I was feeling a bit worn out and burned out from training, but that run last night was just what I needed to re-energize, to remind me of why I run.
Love those days, when it just comes easy. Then other days you have to push yourself just to get out the door. I like running because it’s always a different experience even if you run the same well-worn paths.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Chris – that’s so true! Running just hasn’t gotten boring for me yet! Too many goals to set, so many places yet to run! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You nailed it! It is hard and it’s always hard for me to take that first step out of the door but when I do, all the stresses of that day melt away with each step. That is why I love running. There is not many better feelings than after a long run than to get a shower, put on pajamas and just bask in that after run feeling. I usually prop up on the sofa with my laptop reading running blogs! We are nuts, you know….
LikeLike