This burst of affection was prompted by the people at #RunChat, where they want everyone to spread the love of running. Well, that's easy. Here's why I love to run:
- Every long run is a little adventure.
- If you happen to have something on your mind at the start of a run, all that jostling will usually get it sorted out by the time you get home.
- Running on the treadmill at the gym in front of all those TVs gets you up to date on the news. Or a few episodes of "Breaking Bad." (Sarah E., I'm looking at you.)
- If you run with a friend, you can learn a lot and laugh even more.
- If you run on your own, you will think of so many things that you might start a blog.
- There's nothing like going just a little bit farther than last time.
- Endorphins. Yes, please!
- No matter how spent you are at the end of a run, I bet you'll have just enough energy to swagger a little.
- The way a Smart Bean or a Gu Chomp tastes at mile 9.
- Let's not underestimate the value of having your pants fit.
When I started running again at 40, it was to get myself in shape. Well, I didn't lose any weight, but I guess being able to run 26.2 miles qualifies me for being in shape. But that's not even what I love about running now.
ReplyDeleteNow it's the friends I've made, the stress it relieves, how it's improved my relationship with Jesus Christ, and how my running has inspired others. These are the things I love about running.
I've learned that long distance running doesn't help people lose weight, and I see that at every race. People who look over-weight covering the ground like all the skinny people.
DeleteHowever, it does make it easier to lose weight when you start in with cross training and watching the diet.
One of the things I love is the people I meet as well. Always a "nice" side effect to being a runner.
Even when I started running regularly, back in college, it was so I could eat in the manner to which I was accustomed (lots of stromboli and beer back then). On this side of 40, I've finally gotten around to eating a lot better, and it's improved every part of my life.
ReplyDeleteI didn't put it up there, but I've always found running to be a way to literally pound out any stress I've got. That's a serious blessing -- both for me and my family!