Runner what's your drive for running?

DisneyAddictRW
DisneyAddictRW Posts: 800 Member
edited October 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I started running because people said I couldn't do it...said I was crazy. I still use that as fuel but now I run because it gives me a feeling that I can do anything. If I can run 39.2 miles in 2 days I can do anything. Now I'm addicted and love running. We also ran our first half and full in honor of my hubby's 10 years cancer free and for those who have been affected by cancer. While training for the first goofy challenge we lost my uncle to cancer who was a big supporter when my husband was struggling with leukemia. I always think about him when I run!

What's your drive for running?

Replies

  • KimertRuns13_1
    KimertRuns13_1 Posts: 702 Member
    I started because a friend pushed me. I kept going because I was losing weight. I keep going because...what if I don't??
  • wendyannie1976
    wendyannie1976 Posts: 205 Member
    I'm addicted, love the endorphines but also because i will not be like my mum, she's disabled but mostly through choice as in she wasn't as bad as she made out - use to teach hockey, netball, young farmers everything then didn't get out of bed and i will not be like that, i will run always even if people say I can't or shouldn't, it lifts my spirit and makes me whole
  • AmyEm3
    AmyEm3 Posts: 784 Member
    A roommate in college got me started and I loved it. I stopped running when I got pregnant with my first child and I just started again this summer (that child is 8 now so it had been quite a few years). I'm pretty much addicted again. I love how I feel after. I love getting away and having a little time to myself. I like the challenge of pushing myself to go farther. When I was in college I ran 5k a day but now I'm running 10k+ when I can run outside. I want to be able to run a half marathon b/c when I started running again this summer I thought that would be impossible and now it doesn't seem like such an impossible goal.

    I don't know, I can't really explain it. But I just freaking love running! :)
  • Classalete
    Classalete Posts: 464 Member
    It increases my agility,endurance, flexibility, and vo2 max. It's just an all around beneficial exercise that feels good, and the progress comes quickly.
  • Faintgreeneyes
    Faintgreeneyes Posts: 729 Member
    It's a great way for me to get lost in complete mind numbness for 45 mins. Also get great satisfaction in finishing and seeing how far I have gone.

    Knowing that I can push myself and can accomplish a run, is a great high, and keeps me healthy, as well as happier and less prone to moodiness!
  • DisneyMommy
    DisneyMommy Posts: 281 Member
    I volunteered for the 2006 Disneyland 1/2 marathon (their first race). I met so many awesome runners and they inspired me to try it. So that is how I got involved. Once I took it on, I decided I could show my sons (both are severely autistic) that you can do anything you set your mind to. Best thing to come of it was recently after a long run my 9 year old says to me, "Yea exercise, Mommy is the champion!" If you knew him and how limited his speech is, you'd get why I was in tears when he said it! Now if only I can get his older brother to talk (he's totally non-verbal).
  • DontThinkJustRun
    DontThinkJustRun Posts: 248 Member
    For me it started as a weight loss tool and then became something so much more. Now it's part of my identitiy, it keeps me out of therapy, it's my hobby, it's my vacation desitination, it maintains my weight, it allows me to be a foodie when I want to be and it's my best friend sometimes.

    Running means so much to be I can barely put it into words sometimes.
  • LiveEnjoyEndure
    LiveEnjoyEndure Posts: 98 Member
    I run because I want to do a triathlon ... I love cycling and swimming, but running is starting to grow on me :-)
  • bjbixler
    bjbixler Posts: 253 Member
    I started because a friend pushed me. I kept going because I was losing weight. I keep going because...what if I don't??

    This.

    And I run now because I can. And because others can't.
  • YogaRunner
    YogaRunner Posts: 652 Member
    Blood. Sweat. Tears. Together, we train to beat blood cancers. Team In Training. My Mom, may she rest in peace.
  • skylark94
    skylark94 Posts: 2,036 Member
    I started running because I spent the first 32 years of my life thinking I couldn't and I got tired of the little voice telling me I wasn't ever going to be an athlete. I've been running off and on (due to injury) for 3 years now. I have increased my speed and endurance and I love the ego boost it give me. My resting heart rate also dropped from 80 to 62.
  • Play_outside
    Play_outside Posts: 526 Member
    I just love it.
  • 3dogsrunning
    3dogsrunning Posts: 27,167 Member
    I started running because I had to. My career training required passing a physical test. I couldn't run more than half a mile at that time. I pushed and struggled, and passed. Next, it was social. I got a job away from home and knew no one. I met a group of women runners, and started with them. They were my only friends outside of work. They convinced me to run my first half marathon. After that it was to stay in shape. I ended up having an accident while running, gained weight, so running was my way to get back in shape.
    Now, keeping ahead of those who are close to me in ability is my drive. Since they are getting faster, that means I have to get faster. I have never been competitive and its a friendly competition, but it drives me all the same. I also am not back to where I was when I was in the best shape of my life, so I am driven to get back there. I don't want to be skinny, I am not looking to get to my high school weight, I just want to be fit.
  • pace4me
    pace4me Posts: 16 Member
    I started out as a weight loss and then moved into therapy sessions. After my first 5k, I set the goal of half marathon. After that the full marathon. I cried like a baby bc I knew that I really can do anything. My self -esteem rockets after each goal achieved. I do a lot of meditating on scripture and its empowering. I also love the benefit of eating more!!!!
  • travelgirl77
    travelgirl77 Posts: 99 Member
    It is, without a doubt, my therapy.
  • teagin2002
    teagin2002 Posts: 1,900 Member
    feeling like I am flying or free. it is so amazing
  • milf_n_cookies
    milf_n_cookies Posts: 2,244 Member
    It gives me a feeling of power and control over my body, I was so out of control for so many years and was unable to run for more then a few feet without wanting to die and now I am getting close to being able to finish my first 5k (with the ultimate goal being a half marathon, maybe even a full one someday!).
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