Why do you run?

To become better at running

I started exercising in general to aid in my weight loss and to improve my cardiovascular fitness. I chose walking because it was something I could do and still breathe. I didn't need special equipment. I didn't need anyone to show me how. I didn't need anyone to do it with me (unlike most sports). About 6 months in… I signed up for my first 5k because I was kinda "starstruck" by the person who was organizing it. And the 13 year old girl "groupie" in me went into flail mode and I "just had to meet him!" (I promise I conducted myself with more dignity and class than that!) I walked the whole thing, but it was after that event that I decided I wanted to be a runner. I loved the atmosphere and the feeling of being outside and alive and participating instead of just watching from the sidelines.

So now… why do I run? I feel a little like Forrest Gump when everyone was asking him why he was running. "Are you running for world peace? Are you running for the rain forest?" And his response was "I just felt like running!" I was doing a 10k just this past Saturday with my niece and she said she runs for her son. And she asked me why I do it. And that was my response… "I just felt like running."

So, now I've done a few 5k's, a 10k, and I'm training for my first half marathon in October.

I run because I really like to drink beer and wine... and of course it relaxes me, it makes me feel energized, helps me sleep better at night, and I can always improve so it never gets boring.

I have no consistent answer. It started just as a way to increase the intensity of my prior exercise, that was just walking up to 6 miles. Then it became a curiosity to see if I could run further, even up to a half marathon. Then somewhere along the way as distances kept growing it just became something I liked doing but have trouble explaining why. It is particularly hard to explain right now due to the amount of time I invest weekly in my running. But I do enjoy it very much. Even if I am sore afterwards I am very pleased with myself.

So, I have no idea why. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

i run because i love ice cream, beer, donuts, and other delicious foods in large quantities. i also run because it keeps me sane. and, i also run because i love the solitary nature of it.

In October of 2014, I watched my brother run his 4 (or 5th?) marathon. While waiting for him at one of the mile markers, my cousin and sister-in-law had a conversation about how my brother had asked each of them to train for a year (or two, in my SIL's case) and run the marathon with him next time. They were both laughing/joking about saying no to him. I realized that he hadn't asked ME to run with him, and really, why would he? At the time I weighed around 280lbs; I had been working out with a trainer for a few months, but it was only weight training, and I had only lost about 10-15lbs at that time because I hadn't made any changes to my eating.

Now, I wasn't about to volunteer to run a marathon with him, but I was thinking maybe he would agree to run a 5K with me in time for my 29th birthday in May. I asked him later that night, and he agreed. I waited until January (after losing another 15-20lbs) before even attempting to run: my trainer had me go 30 seconds on the treadmill at 4mph, and I thought I was going to die -- she still likes to remind me of this

I downloaded the C25K app, and after a few stops and starts, I began to really follow it in Feb/March. I was very skeptical of how quickly they expected you to progress in the running sections; I would always warn my trainer that I might not be able to make it, but then, funny enough, we would always finish it. As race day loomed closer, I was really worried that the C25K wasn't enough for me to be ready; my pace is so slow that I had only really run 2.25-2.5 miles at a time with the app. Also, I scoped out the course and realized it was quite hilly; nothing too steep, but it was pretty much rolling hills the entire course! I told my trainer that my goal was to be able to run at least half of the 5K without stopping. She just smiled.

On May 17th, with my trainer/friend by my side, we crossed the finish line at 47 minutes; and no, we didn't take any walking breaks (I really do just run that slowly...about a 15min/mile pace). My brother wasn't able to run with us that day, but he did meet me at the finish line to celebrate. Honestly, the 5K is one of my biggest accomplishments to date; it's one of the only times I've ever set a goal that far in advance and stuck with it (having my running partner/trainer/friend/therapist, Kim, made all the difference).

My brother warned me when I first started running that it becomes addictive. I told him no way... Now I'm training for my first 10K on Halloween, so I guess he was right

LOVE the turtle stomping through peanut butter quote! lol. I wanted to do mud/obstacle runs, I wanted more endurance for sparring, and more calories for more food. When I first started, I couldn't run more than a couple minutes without my shins hurting. I got fitted for shoes, did a bit of C25k, Zombies!Run (still do this sometimes), and just kept trying. Last weekend, I managed 5+ miles with hills without walking once and enjoyed it! That was like 60% more than my previous best.

enterdanger wrote: »

http://theoatmeal.com/comics/running

That was beautiful!

I never thought to use a straw with Nutella. Now that I know this secret though, it is sure to happen on my next Nutella rampage.

I started running after having my last baby because I thought it would be the fastest way to get myself back in shape. It helped me lose weight quickly, for sure, but I found I loved it. I think that I love the accomplishment of training and running a race well. I also love the fun (and not-so-fun) times with my running group. Whether we're grueling it out in the hot Tx sun or freezing at 5:30am in Jan., we are getting it done. Those guys get me to the track or trail every week in the wee hours of the morning.

DavPul wrote: »

Police trying to get me and hang these false charges on my head. As soon as dogs lose my scent I'm never running again

Best answer yet!

I run because it feels so awesome to run further and faster each time... Plus I have a 3 year old boy and another on the way. I want to really challenge them to a race!

jchite84 wrote: »

I was never ran a mile. Like many hated PE, etc. Just thought that I couldn't do it. I had a buddy who was retired from the army and he wanted me to work out with him. So we'd do the normal calisthenics, and as a cool down he made me run one day. We ran about 3/4 of a mile and I thought of was going to die, but thought "Oh $h1t, I just almost ran a mile". So I started C25K the next week. After I ran my first 5K I just kept going longer and longer. People look at me funny if I tell them that I'm a runner, and part of me keeps going for longer distances just to show people that running isn't just for tall skinny folks. I've run a marathon, numerous halfs, 10Ks, 15Ks, several triathlons. Right now I'm 4 weeks into 50K training and I'm hoping to do a 50 mi next year.

So, I run because I never thought I could and because people still think I can't.

Good for you. The 50 mile is one heck of a marathon. My brother has done it along with a 100 mile.

Looks like you jumped right in, once you had that "I almost ran a mile" moment.

I started running because I never thought I could. I wanted to finish the Disney Wine & Dine half marathon this past November that was on my 30th birthday, and I thought it would be great to start a new decade doing something I never thought I could do. Then the Wine & Dine became the Splash & Dash due to rain the ENTIRE race. That and some arch/feet issues kept me off running til I got some orthotics and now I'm thrilled to be back. Why? Because regardless of what I used to think, I AM a runner! =D

I am doing c25k. I run like a three legged dirt pig with no hair on it's belly. I sound like a sick hoover as I slowly chug along, barely running slower than my brisk walk. Yet some reason I got it in my head I would run a 5 k anywhere, anytime. I am past the age where ascetics mean as much as being able to climb and lift a person hundred and fifty pounds up to me while hanging on a ledge. That and running from cannibalistic pygmy's who want their golden monkey god back.