My Running Story

I wasn't a runner two years ago. Although I lead an active lifestyle, I never wanted to run. I remember watching the 2004 Houston Marathon on tv from my gym's treadmill, where I was speed walking. I remember watching the winner run in and thinking, "Hell no." I was adamant about never wanting to be thin enough or in shape enough to run. I'd rather walk, thank you very much.

All of that changed in November 2004.

I began running in December 2004. I began running to one-up someone who hurt me very deeply. I began running for the wrong reasons. Sometimes acting on the wrong reasons, however, can provide the same results. 20 months later, I've outrun that person; he hasn't caught up with me and probably won't. Do I feel pleasure, knowing that I not only ran HIS marathon before him, but have completed three full marathons and will have my third half next weekend, whereas he's never completed anything more than a 10k? No. Quite honestly, I stopped caring about that a long time ago. I stopped caring about that after I ran my first marathon because I became hooked. I stopped running because of someone else.

I run for me.

I run for the endorphins.
I run for the opportunity to daydream.
I run for the feeling of pavement beneath my feet.
I run to feel young.
I run to enhance my earlybird routine.
I run to explore neighborhoods.
I run to sight-see.
I run to enjoy a guilt-free bubble bath.
I run to feel the muscle soreness.
I run for endurance.
I run to see cities and people wake up.
I run to see cities and people go to sleep.
I run to plan what to do with my lottery winnings (should I ever win).
I run to relieve anxiety.
I run to have "me" time.
I run to spend time outside.
I run to balance my checkbook.
I run to write shopping lists.
I run to decorate my apartment in my mind.
I run to keep up with my students.
I run to inspire my friends.
I run to travel.
I run to sweat.
I run for the pleasure of seeing my minutes shrink in the cool weather.
I run to slow down in the summer.
I run for new running shoes.
I run for the race expos.
I run to utlize all five senses: feeling the breezes, seeing the cities, hearing the animals, tasting yummy food after a long run, smelling the bacon and mulch and flowers.
I run to burn off the Mexican food I'll eat for lunch.
I run to burn off the cookies I ate yesterday.
I run for the t-shirts.
I run to have strong legs to support me.
I run because I refuse to believe fat people can't run.
I run to buy gadgets (I still love my Garmin).
I run so that I have a reason to be tired.
I run for the naps.
I run for meeting new people.
I run for the medals.
I run because I'd rather spend money on race registrations than junk.
I run to clear my head.
I run to listen to music.
I run to prove myself.
I run to never feel old.
I run to run a half/full marathon in each state plus DC.

I've run to see hot Marines (twice so far, one more time in October).
I've run to visit new states.
I've run to see elite runners.
I've run to make someone jealous.
I've run to spend time with that very person who doesn't hurt me anymore.
I've run to take pictures.
I've run as a new way to go down memory lane.

I will run to encourage a friend.
I will run to continue a tradition.
I will run to see new cities.
I will run to get thin.
I will run to become even stronger.
I will run to relieve my anxities.
I will run to complete a full marathon in 5 hours (someday).
I will run.
I will run