I have one other topic I want to write about, soon....the question I hear in a variety of ways from a variety of people....basically "why do you run?" (which is often followed up by, "I don't see the point!" "What can you possibly get out of running that many miles?!" "Don't you know that the first person who ran a marathon DIED!" "I'd like to run, but....(insert plethora of excuses here)." "How do you find the time?", or even sometimes more "loaded" comments which make me feel somewhat guilty...like "must be nice to have that kind of time!", etc.). Anyway, I hope to address all of that/my feelings....soon!
The time has come to begin to address those, and related questions.
Not that I really feel like I need to "answer" to anyone or like I truly need to "validate" why I do the things I do....but I find reflection useful and helpful to myself as I grow/change/(and hopefully) mature.
I don't expect people to "get" this...to really understand these reasons/justifications. But, here's me...being pure, raw, and honest.
Why I run.
10. Because I love it.
Why do we "love" the things, or people, that we do? It has to be something in the way we were created, in how we are put together. I truly feel as if I was made, created to run. There are days when I am running when I feel as if my face could crack off because I am smiling so huge-ly. I feel sheer joy when I run (ok, not on EVERY run ;)).
Yup, I'm a huge nerd. I'll be the first to admit THAT!
But...seriously. If you don't have something you love...find something! It's indescribable, really, how wonderful it is to have an outlet.
I realize that, sometimes, when I talk about running...it sounds as if I am talking about a boyfriend or something. An illegitimate love affair...of sorts.
Ha!
Well...my husband is aware of this so-called love affair, and he has given it his stamp of approval. He even participates in the enjoyment at times!
(**However, Jeremy would typically say he doesn't really even LIKE running, he just DOES it...because I love it and he knows it's good for him ;)**)
9. Because I enjoy pain.
I feel alive when I hurt. I realize this probably sounds somewhat psychotic....but I love it.
Really.
Two of the most memorable and "shaping" experiences of my life thus far have been the two marathons I have run. The Chicago Marathon last October of 2009 was amazing in many ways. It will always stand out in my mind because it was my first. We all remember our first...of whatever it may be.
First kiss.
First race in the rain.
First time to experience the ocean.
Whatever!!
Firsts...are memorable....and hold a special place in our hearts.
Still, the Minneapolis Marathon in June of 2010...my second marathon...was truly one of the best experiences of my somewhat-young life thus far. During that race I felt as if I had truly pushed my body exactly to the limit of what it could handle at that point in my life/training. I gave it everything I had...and left it all out there on the course. That was a big FIRST for me. After every other race I've run I've always felt as if I could've done something more....
NOT true as I crossed the finish line in Minneapolis.
The physical pain was truly excruciating...but the emotional joy was even greater. Let me tell you...there is NOTHING greater in my humble opinion than the feeling of pure exhaustion and accomplishment and knowing that your body had just been pushed by YOU to its limit. I can't truly fittingly put those feelings, emotions into words.
Pain really can create Joy.
8. Because I crave it.
Sure, I crave lots of things. Chocolate. Shopping. Coffee. Spending time with dear friends chatting away into the wee hours of the night. Mexican food. Some of these things are beneficial, some...not-so-much. Some, downright detrimental, really.
Running, least, I feel is a craving that is ok to indulge myself in. And, sometimes, experiencing indulgence just what needs to be done after a long day of give-give-giving to others, constantly putting yourself "out there," constantly being a "YES" girl...
7. Because I love the relationships I cultivate through running.
Running brings me joy...and it also brings joy to many of the people I am close to.
My sister, Megan, is the person I credit with "introducing" me to running. She is my first running buddy...and still my favorite. We don't live very close to one another...but when we do get to see each other, we typically go on at least one run together...if we aren't in a race together on that day.
My husband, Jeremy, began running...for me, really. See?
I've entered races with my friends Jillian, Jamie, and Jami.
I've had MANY a long conversation about life...love...and living with Jamie after long days at work.
Running offers the opportunity to share life with friends in a way that not much else can...
6. Because I want to be/remain healthy.
Don't shoot me, don't scoff at me...after all, the surgeon general does recommend that people participate in physical activity for many important reasons! Decreased chronic health problems, increased life expectancy...etc. Sign me right up for THAT!
AND, since I have gluten intolerance which may or may not be due to an auto-immune disease in my case...I feel like I am already a bit behind the boat as far as health goes...and need to do my best to do everything in my power to keep myself as healthy as I possibly can.
Sure....some of you may like to tease me and dramatically point out that the first person who ran a "marathon" died....
But I don't think anyone can REALLY convince me that running is anything but GOOD for my health!
5. Because I am at least a little vain.
This might sound strange or be weird/uncomfortable to read...but I'd by lying if I didn't include this/admit it. I do enjoy being thin/in shape. Is this something crucial to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness???...absolutely not. Am I perfect or have a "perfect body"? Heck no! There's TONS I'd love to improve. I definitely don't do enough in the way of toning/strength training/flexibility training/etc....I could stand to get to the weight room, to yoga class, to do a few more crunches....
Do I care or look down on others who aren't really "in shape"? AbsoLUTEly not. But...it is a priority of mine to "take care of my body" (what I feel is "taking care of it", at least) and maintain some level of physical fitness.
Vain, or otherwise.
4. Because I love to see new things.
Running is a fabulous way to experience new things, see new places, and see things you may see every day in a new and wonderful way.
Thanks to my Garmin running watch (again, something that is NOT necessary to life or even to running...but is pretty awesome) that I received as a birthday gift from my family and Jeremy last October...I can know HOW far I am running anywhere I go!
I've run on vacation in Arizona...in Hawaii...
I've run marathons in Chicago...in Minneapolis...
Let me tell you what, you experience life and places in a whole new...very e x c i t i n g way....when you experience it/them by yourself on your own two feet.
The smells...sights...feelings...
It's up-close-and-personal...and completely delightful.
3. Because it's easy.
Yes, I knowI know...running CAN be difficult. Running is NOT for everyone.
BUT...for me...running is easy. It's mindless. One foot in front of the other. Sometimes a bit faster, sometimes barely faster than walking. That's all there is too it, though...I put on my tattered, stained (from dirt, rain, blisters, berries, blood, dog poo, and more!) Asics and close the door behind me. I can run anywhere, any time. I'd be lying if I said I ran without some "comfort-bringing accessories" (my Garmin running watch that allows me to track distance...making it easy to RUN ANYWHERE, my iPod, sunglasses, RoadID, many times a good friend at my side, etc....)...but, really, ALL I need to run is my shoes. Although, according to the new trend of barefoot running...apparently I don't even really need those! No need for a gym membership, no need for a specific locale, no need for registering for a road race EVERY weekend...I can just open my front door, step outside...and GO for it.
2. Because it keeps me sane.
I truly believe, without a shadow of a doubt, that running is making me into a better person....
A better friend, wife, therapist, and, someday.......mother.
It is teaching me the importance of taking care of myself...my physical and emotional health. It is teaching me that it is not just OK to take time for myself, but that I really need that time to unwind and to not have to talk to someone or have someone talk at me every second of the day.
I am a pediatric speech-language pathologist. I am in the business of talking and listening. My day is full of talking, listening, interpreting, and talking some more. Do not be misled...I LOVE my career, LOVE my job. However, on most days I spend 10+ hours of my day talking and being talked to, being talked at. It is mentally taxing (again, please remember that I said...I LOVE my vocation).
There are many days when I want to sit in a dark room and scream/cry/pull my hair out/fall into a coma-like slumber.
Instead of doing that, though, I redirect those desires into a good run. I wrote previously in this list that during many runs I am filled with joy and have a smile that could rip a hole in my face. Well...likewise...there are many days that I do NOT have a smile on my face. I feel the "weight of the world on my shoulders" and need to escape, just for a bit. As a good friend told me the other day...some days there is nothing better than an angry run. I absolutely agree. An angry run...where I push myself to the brink, legs pounding on pavement, arms pumping at my sides, sweat pouring down my back and face and legs. Some days, a wonderful angry run is JUST what the hypothetical doctor ordered. Seldom is the run that I return from NOT feeling at least slightly better and with a more positive outlook than when I set out.
1. Because I can.
In my line of work...I see and work with children every day who cannot do many of the things that I can do, the so-called "little things" that so many of us take for granted.
INCLUDING MYSELF....
I can carry on a conversation with anyone I want to that (typically) can be easily understood.
I can get myself dressed in the morning.
I can smell the mustiness in the air right before it rains.
I can read a favorite book...over and over again.
I can feel the thickness of the humidity in the air on these sticky summer days.
I can hug my friends and family and share joy, share love.
I can stand...walk...run.
I want to use all of these gifts, all of these so-called, so-seemingly "little things" to the fullest extent that they are able to be enjoyed.
How?
Sure, I do enter some races that are created to raise awareness for various disabilities or charitable organizations...and do my best to spread the word to others, encouraging them to enter these events as well so that together we can do what we can, use our gifts, to help others.
More than anything, though, I just try to live my life in a way that shows I am grateful for what I have...and o try to have somewhat of a positive impact on others' lives.
In order to have an impact, in order to be around this place...I need to take care of myself, right? I need to stay healthy, stay "sane"...
Could I "do more"? Yeah.
Will I try to do more in the future? Most definitely.
And for those reasons...and more...I run.
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