Runner's Forum: Why run?

Hi. I've been on mapmyrun for over a year now, but just started taking a look at the boards recently.

I ran track and x-country in high school. I was never very good and I HATED racing. I just liked being in shape. Ever since then I have gone back to running and then I wind up slacking off again. The main thing, though, is that I do it to feel good, not to train for a race. But it seems like most people on running forums are training for races. Is that why most people run? Is that what keeps people motivated? I always thought of running as a solo sport. I don't like to run with anyone or discuss my times much. I just want to get into better shape and be proud of myself for running farther and faster in the process.

Anyone else out there running for the sake of running and not to train for a race?

I used to only run for fitness etc.

But having something to train for is a real help for motivation. Anway, the "races" one runs are still just races against oneself if you know what i mean.  

Craigem:

You and I are rare.  I log 75-80 miles weekly.  People are shocked to discover I'm not training for a race (even though I do race from time to time).  I just love it.  I love every aspect of running.   I don't know what my life would be like without it.  It gives me mental and physical invigoration.  I do weight training for one reason: it makes me a stronger runner and helps me avoid injuries. 

Most people can't stay motivated without a race to train for.  Even the running magazines tend to emphasize the races, etc. 

I just wanted to inform you that though we may be in the minority, you are not alone.

I'll close with the Brooks slogan: "Run Happy!"

Most piriformis stretches will take care of a lot of muscles in the glute area, heres a real quick google of "piriformis stretch" as to provide you with a visual, since describing via text is rather intricate.

http://www.drbackman.com/piriformis-muscle-stretch.htm

Anyway, I ran track in highschool, was moderately good, went to districts and sectionals, but I only do it now because it is called upon by the workout program I do - namely Crossfit. I think it's a good way to change things up and get away from the extreme cardio effects that some of CF's workouts give you. 

Why run?

Simply put, it helps me keeps the weight off :). BUT I also run races for the challenge, comraderie, and just because it's different than running alone. The challenge also keeps me interested in running, a goal if you will.

Greetings,

 Like you I did some running in Jr. High (long distance and track). The thing that turned me completely off to team sports was the over-competitive nature they took on as I got older. I hated it, but still running and biking were both solitary sports that stuck with me. I do it because I've always done it. 

 Unfortunately my length, or the lengths I can handle are far below what some of the people post here. I manage 1 mile a day, running straight (my tempo is terrible, I keep wanting to run it like the 1/2 mile), and a little over 1 mile walking for a cool down. I am trying to train for a 5k, but it's an aspiration, not something I'm forced to do, it's a goal, it's my goal and that's it for now.

I had an absolutely terrible run last night that seemed to put this distance issue into perspective though. It's humid, and ragweed season, my ankles are killing me (upcoming surgery later this winter on a synovial tendon injury), and I'm an insulin dependent diabetic. Just to maintain through this autumn I'm on 4 asthma/allergy meds, that have made a huge difference. Taking them though is an ordeal... So why bother running? Why go to such lengths? 

 It's because running feels good. 

 It helps lung function, it helps breathing, it helps muscles and tendon strength. It forces me to get outside, and it helps treat depression.  There's also a social element too. I know my neighbors, mostly the kids, and it's really nice to see them... Also, I started to see people in the neighborhood run that I hadn't before, really making the effort! Maybe we make a difference by example?

So you're not alone. Though I've found the same difficulty you mention in some martial arts. I like it because of the discipline and practice, not really to win trophies and competitions. Don't be discouraged. Perseverance is a good thing ^_^

While I'm not always running in places of pristine wilderness, I often catch a sunrise or sunset or an empty beach or deer in the woods that takes my breath away and I often think about how lucky I am to be alive, free, and  healthy enough to be doing what I am doing.  Knowing this results in a certain inner peace and  I think that is why I run.

I also like to eat.

Running is the first sport I have stuck at and been good at. It's so easy, all you need are running shoes, you can go whenever you want, wherever you want, as fast as you want. It's total freedom. It keeps me fit and healthy (my CV health is pretty darn good thanks to running). It hypes me up or chills me out - whichever I need! It gives me time and space to think. And it ensures I won't start smoking again!

I do participate in races and on the forums. The only person I am racing against is myself, but I enjoy the camaraderie of racing and they allow me to compare my performance with my peers, plus I find running with others gives me the incentive to try harder and improve my running. Participating in the forum (and I am a regular poster on the training summary topic) is an extra incentive to run. Those times when I start to slack off a little I read how the other people on the forum are doing and gives me the extra push to get back out there. Plus it is kind of nice to get a bit of encouragement from time to time, it's something we all need and benefit from. For the most part when I am running, I run alone and I like it that way.