Why I Run - This Is My Story

Why do I run? Well that's a loaded question. I was asked to tell my story. My first thought was that I don't have a story to tell, but then I realized we all have a story. And each one is different and unique. So here is mine...

I honestly can't tell you when exactly that I started running, but I can tell you how I got started. There was this girl who worked at the local gym, and I always saw her running. She looked so amazing running around town. I envied her and her ability. As I drove past her one day while she was out running, I thought, if she can do it, so can I.

I drove home to my tiny apartment, put on an old pair of shorts, a slouchy tee, and some tennis shoes. And I took off. It was LIBERATING. I was doing it. I was running. I am awesome. I was probably humming the rocky theme song.

That feeling was quickly followed by... I can't breathe. I am gonna die. And instead of doing some type of loop, I did an out and back. So yep, I had to walk my red faced gasping for air self back home. Trust me, I looked nothing like the girl who I saw running all over town. But I was proud of myself for doing it, and I joined a running class at the gym. And that's how it all began.

And all of these years later, I remember that feeling... that feeling of accomplishment and being a part of something bigger than myself.

So why do I run?

Well that has evolved through the years. When I lived in Mississippi, I enjoyed the comradery of running with others. I would meet my best friend most mornings for a run before work.

When I moved to Pennsylvania everything drastically changed.  I remember telling my husband that I was going for a run to come home bawling. I'm never running again I would shout as I stomped off past him. He would kindly say ok honey. This happened morning after morning. My reason for running was no longer there. I wasn't meeting my best friend to run anymore - it was just me alone pounding the pavement. I stopped running, but not for long. And before I knew it, I was running again. But this time it was to improve my running. It was race times and distances.

I ran 5Ks, 10Ks, Half Marathons and 2 Marathons. It was about pushing myself to see what I could do.

And over the years I got burned out and injured. Yep, overtraining, over everything and I hit a super rough patch with injuries. And once again my reason for running shifted. I knew that I didn't want to give it up, but a change had to happen.

I started running for fun... for the pure fun of running. And this is where I am today.

I haven't raced in awhile. Will I race again? Maybe? But I don't feel the need to race as I have in the past. So if you asked me today at this moment why I run, I'd have to say for fun and for my health. But I've been running long enough to know that it evolves, and why I run today might not be why I would run tomorrow.

Thankfully my clothing choices have evolved with me. Once I found (affiliate linkSkirt Sports, I never looked back.

If you've ever thought about becoming a runner,  here are some tips on how to get started.




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