For the love of running
Hadabetter
Posts: 942 Member
I just came across this, written by one of my favorite runners, Shalane Flanagan. I thought it might prompt others to post what keeps them coming back for more.
13 Things I Love About Running
For Shalane Flanagan, the list could go on and on.
A few weeks ago I wrote about the things about running that drive me crazy, so it seemed only right to list some of the many reasons I truly love my sport — here goes:
1. Beating boys! I first fell in love with running in grade school because I liked to race the boys and beat them. Now I like beating my husband.
2. Running makes everything better; especially food. I love finishing a run and craving a drink or food. I usually go for a big glass of Gatorade, fruit, or something salty like blue corn tortilla chips! After races, I dive into a juicy burger and fries!
3. All the memories and connections made through sharing a run. Some of my favorite moments are ones in which I shared the journey and my love for running with teammates. These are timeless and priceless.
4. Nailing a workout or exceeding what you thought was possible by stepping outside your comfort zone!
5. I can still fit into my clothes from high school.
6. Being really sweaty, dirty and stinky for hours and finally taking a long hot shower.
7. Wearing fluorescent and Spandex clothing is cool (and it's not the 80s).
8. I love feeling completely exhausted. There is bliss and joy somewhere in the pain of pushing myself to the limit. I feel more connected to my mind and body, which makes me feel alive!
9. Running keeps me happy and is a stress reliever. When I don't run I get grumpy and cranky; the endorphins that a run creates can't be replaced.
10. It's a time for me to gossip with girlfriends/training partners about anything and everything. We chat about family, yummy recipes, the latest TV shows we're into, and come up with race plans in which we crush our competition!
11. Running lets me be myself: dorky, type A, obsessed with self-improvement and goals.
12. It's an amazing way to learn new places and travel. I love adventures, going off the beaten path, exploring trails, and being outside.
13. I love to run.....because I feel like it. It's innate and simple, one foot in front of the other.
All these reasons have me coming back for more!
Why do you love running?
—Shalane Flanagan, Record-breaking marathoner
13 Things I Love About Running
For Shalane Flanagan, the list could go on and on.
A few weeks ago I wrote about the things about running that drive me crazy, so it seemed only right to list some of the many reasons I truly love my sport — here goes:
1. Beating boys! I first fell in love with running in grade school because I liked to race the boys and beat them. Now I like beating my husband.
2. Running makes everything better; especially food. I love finishing a run and craving a drink or food. I usually go for a big glass of Gatorade, fruit, or something salty like blue corn tortilla chips! After races, I dive into a juicy burger and fries!
3. All the memories and connections made through sharing a run. Some of my favorite moments are ones in which I shared the journey and my love for running with teammates. These are timeless and priceless.
4. Nailing a workout or exceeding what you thought was possible by stepping outside your comfort zone!
5. I can still fit into my clothes from high school.
6. Being really sweaty, dirty and stinky for hours and finally taking a long hot shower.
7. Wearing fluorescent and Spandex clothing is cool (and it's not the 80s).
8. I love feeling completely exhausted. There is bliss and joy somewhere in the pain of pushing myself to the limit. I feel more connected to my mind and body, which makes me feel alive!
9. Running keeps me happy and is a stress reliever. When I don't run I get grumpy and cranky; the endorphins that a run creates can't be replaced.
10. It's a time for me to gossip with girlfriends/training partners about anything and everything. We chat about family, yummy recipes, the latest TV shows we're into, and come up with race plans in which we crush our competition!
11. Running lets me be myself: dorky, type A, obsessed with self-improvement and goals.
12. It's an amazing way to learn new places and travel. I love adventures, going off the beaten path, exploring trails, and being outside.
13. I love to run.....because I feel like it. It's innate and simple, one foot in front of the other.
All these reasons have me coming back for more!
Why do you love running?
—Shalane Flanagan, Record-breaking marathoner
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Replies
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How about Shalane's top reasons she hates running...
13 Things I Hate About Running
Even elites like Shalane Flanagan have their pet peeves.
I love running, but as much as I love my sport, there are some days when I lack motivation and I would prefer to complain. Here are some reasons I HATE running sometimes:
1. Nasty feet: Ugly toenails that are black and 3D-shaped, blisters, calluses or just no toenail at all.
2. When I try to snot rocket and it goes down my face or on my shoe.
3. Chafing: armpits, groin....etc.
4. When I pass a man and he tries to race me.
5. Running in really windy conditions so it feels like you're standing still.
6. Tan lines that look like you're still wearing shorts and a sports bra. (This makes wearing a cute sundress or bikini almost impossible.)
7. Doing laundry every couple days because I run twice a day.
8. Running when all I want to do is eat and sleep and stay snuggled under a nice comfy blanket.
9. Being hungry all the time.
10. Getting out of bed in the morning and walking like an old granny because I'm so stiff.
11. GI distress when there are no bathrooms!
12. Getting back into shape, when every run feels like a death march.
13. Feeling like I'm missing out on family vacations because I have to train.
Ok, folks, get it out! Share with me what you hate about running!
—Shalane Flanagan, Record-breaking marathoner0 -
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