When I first started, I ran outside with my daughter. Or she ran. I chugged. At the beginning of each run, one of us would always ask, “Why are we doing this? Whose idea was this anyway?” Okay, probably I asked. She ran.
But it became a habit. After my daughter moved away, I still ran. But I found myself still asking why. Learning to answer myself was what kept me running.
I run because:
I want to get to the top of that high hill and see what’s beyond.
Because it’s a beautiful spring day and I want to see what flowers are blooming on the greenbelt.
I need to wake up. Before I get to work.
Some of the bills are coming due before any of the money is
The kids are trying to get my Irish up. Again.
To Pray
To have time with a special honey. (I still run with my daughter on holidays.)
To have time alone.
Because it’s been snowing for days and cabin fever is setting.in.
Because Mom had osteoporosis and I don’t want it. Weight bearing exercise helps build bone.
For Weight control
To reduce cholestrerol and triglycerides.
To see if I run this route faster than I did last time.
Because it’s fall and I want to feel the crisp crunch of fallen leaves under my shoes, just like when I was a kid.
Because I had way too many cups of coffee and I need to get rid of the wired feeling.
To work off that cheeseburger, potato chips, or double fudge brownie.
d@mned I know why. It’s summer and way too hot to run
Because the boss expects the impossible
Because (Insert Name here) IS impossible
Because I want to.
Why do You run?
(4)I didn’t want to think about hydration or nutrition any longer. I missed a few aid stations in the last few miles, simply because I didn’t notice them until I was running through the aftermath of crushed cups. (More)
Bike to Work Day Combines With Lesser-Known Celebrations
(6)humorous recap of a morning commute--that is also a great training ride. (More)
Steamboat Marathon!!
(3)Steamboat Marathon, a scenic must run spring marathon! (More)
Do you have a Story? Submit it today!
im addicted. to inspire my mom to be healthy. to feel good after a run and have confidence. to conquer something new and exciteing or sometimes intimidating.
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Why??
-To explore what you can not in a car.
-To hear the world wake up.
-To find a better spot to see the sun rise.
-To find a better spot to see the sun set.
-To see the others in their cars drinking coffee at the red lights or stop signs and wave at them and say "Good Morning".
#1 Reason
To inspire others to start running.
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to rid myself of my college weight
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I run to get back to the greatness I once had.
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I run to see what new things my body is capable of each day.
I run because my husband is at sea and I can't get my endorphins my favorite way.
I run because my husband is coming back soon and I want to look great for him.
I run because if I were in a scary movie it'd help me be the last to die.
I run because I'm conceited and like to know that I'm in better shape than 98% of the population.
I run because I'm a personal trainer. No one trusts a fat personal trai
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I run because I let myself go and will never do that again.
I run and leave all my problems behind.
I run just because it feels good.
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I run to prove to myself that I can.
I run because i know the benefits it will bring.
I run for the Endorphin rush.
I run for that moment, when you realise just what you have acheived.
I run for the freedom it brings.
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I run becouse running is me! be3fore I ran I was over weight and out of shape, that why I started running. I Run know becouse running make me whole. The time I speand running is me time. I think everything over on my morning run. If I dont run daily I should stay in Bed,
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I started running to pound my hurt into the pavement. I kept running because it became a part of who I was becoming. I stopped running because my body had to, I've started again to see my dogs tongues hang in glee and because my joy comes from gravel in my treads. I will keep running to keep the dragons at bay in my heart.
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I run for all the reasons mentioned in response to the question, however...
Running is part of my life. I couldnt imagine not being able to run, and I appreciate the fact that I can, everyime I slip on my running trainers and step out the front door..
Running is 'me' time, the hardest part of my runs are always the first couple of miles, after that I start enjoying it and can almost feel the endorphines kicking at about the 30 min mark. That feeling is addictive, so i guess in ad
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I run because at 43 I weighed 208 lbs. Now 5 months later I weigh 175 lbs and average 120 miles per month. running has become an addiction.
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Exactly.
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quality!
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Honestly? I don't... not yet anyway. I have started with walking again with the intention of getting back into a jogging routine. I used to jog quite regularly, but I never did like it. I did, however, like the residual effects that occurred over time with the changes in my body and I always felt great afterwards.
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I run therefore I am
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i run to challenge myself. i run to be alone with my thoughts. i run to get a natural high in exchange for the drug high i used to rely on. i run my way to a better life for myself
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I run to prove to myself that I can. I used to hate running but now I feel like I have taken control of my body. I do it to spend time with my daughters (when I bring them) and to have time alone (when I don't). I do it to compete, mostly with myself, at least so far! I do it so I can become healthier, how can I promote health to others without living it? I do it because it takes courage to get off the couch and live a more active lifestyle, and to teach that to my children. Thanks, I needed this post!
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part of a special, select group. The non-runner will never understand. We all know why we pound that pavement each day and we respect each other for it.
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It is true, it is in our blood. You either have a passion for it or you don't. When others say it is a punishment in every other sport, i just laugh. We all do it for so many different reasons but we all share the love of the way running makes us feel. I am a former college runner who has regained my love for running after 16 year hiatus. I am stronger and better than I was at 21. I am closing in on my PR from those carefree days. When others tell you are crazy for running, remember that you are
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People often ask why I do it and now I have a great answer to give back to them!
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I started running because a stupid boy broke my heart. Every time, I was pushing a hill, I thought of him, and it made me run faster. Over a year later, when I finished my first marathon in my time goal, I realized that I was no longer running for him and that I had not run for him in a long time and that I was, in fact, running for me. Now, he doesn't exist in my world, and I'm in excellent shape.
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Love all of your answers. I can identify with many of the responses. I like the fact that at least in one area of my life I am being a good example. I also Albert1982 comment about liking the burning in his legs. My biggest reason is because it makes me feel free when I run. Kind of like when I ride a bike.
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i run because a year ago i was 24 years old and weighed over 225 lbs...i currently weigh 160 lbs and have gotten control of my life again. i now run up to 50 miles a week...10-12 at a time. nothing makes me feel better than running along lake michigan all by myself...
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running is my life
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I run for who i am.
im a runner thats what i do and no one can take that from me.
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I run for my boys. I want to be around as long as I can to watch them grow. Like someone else said, they think I'm nuts when I tell them how far I go, but I just smile... I want them to grow up inspired by a dad who takes care of himself mentally and physically.
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I run because likr all runners our daily routine taps into our inner warrior,the ego that doesnt surrender.Besides that it is addictive and surely gives a calm relaxed feeling when done,no matter how long you run for,that endorphine feeling is a great reward.I have a history in my family of bad hearts and this one in my body will be strong tested and true,So far the cholesterol and triglicerides are all well and also look great too,there arent any downsides except taking one day at least to rest!!!
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I run for ME. I finally have "found" myself.
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I run so that I can feel like a winner every day. Running is the one thing that I can control. I run so that I can feel physically fit every day for the rest of my life.
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I started running to get back in shape and challenge myself. Over 25 years ago I ran all through high school competing in cross country and track. On Thanksgiving I will run my first 5 mile road race...what a great accomplishment to have lost 41 pounds since Feb 26th, complete a Century ride in Spetember, and training for my first Triatholon next spring. I run because it keeps me sane.
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Great post! I run to lose weight and get in shape. I run because it is the only time I feel like an athlete again.
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I run for me. I run so my girls don't have a grumpy mum. I run to clear my head and make me feel proud of me. I run to challenge myself to go a little farther overtime. I run because I love how it make me feel, during (often), after (always). I run to someday inspire my girls to run when they are bigger.
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Everything in life is so subjective. Am I doing a good job at work? As a parent? But out on the streets, it's real. It's objective, you can measure it out on a map and log it and it's done. And the way it makes me feel afterward, I can breathe better, my head is clearer. Now my kids are getting into it! So I hope that it is something we will do together for a long time!
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I started running because my best friend was 5 1/2 months pregnant and still running 5k races. She was motivation to start running and motivates me to continue on. I keep running to stay healthy, eat better, and continue to be a non-smoker. If I run, I continue to live a better life.
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On the outside I run to stay in shape for the Marine Corps.
On the Inside I run because it make my day feel complete.
I like the emptiness in my head when I'm cooling down and stretching. I like going to bed like I earned it, and waking up feeling like I've did something benficial the day before.
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I run because because I love it when you can tell how much all that hard work has paid off.
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I run because I thought I was too fat and lazy to be a runner. I love it and it becomes an addiction. I love telling my kids I ran 3 miles today, they just stare at me like I'm crazy. I am crazy for running.
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I run because it makes my head empty.
The long easy runs are my favorites.
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Because its my time and i can't be interupted unless you can catch me!!
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run to feel good
feel that i am tough
that i can take on the world
because i ran
I RAN!!!
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I run to stay fit and healthy for as long as is humanly possible and after that I will try even harder. I like the personal challenge and the benefits associated with keeping fit.
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i run because i can; because my cousin in a wheelchair cannot; because i feel great; because i love my family; because i feel alive[even when the pain is there!]; because running gives me a reason to; because i want to set an example for my kids - if i can, anyone can! because of the sense of accomplishment and pride; because i LOVE IT!!!!:-}}}
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My English isn't very good...but I will do my best :
For some time to myself ...
I love my kids, buts it feels great to go for a run en clear my head ! To release the stress from work...
To prove to myself : I can do this, me ... that girl that didn't want to exercise any sport when I was a kid (my dad nagged and nagged cause he was a runner)... And know I run !!!
In the hope that I would lose some weight, but I don't, but maby my shape changes?
Because I like running
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I run to support a healthy perspective on life...
to turn pressures into paper tigers
to reaffirm my priorities
to stand against the status quo
to make room for joy
to be alive being me.
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Because I CANT but if I keep trying I will manage some day !hee hee
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I run because it makes me feel good..no...great about myself.
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I run to prove to myself I am still an athlete. I run to be a positive influence on my children. I run for those few day out of the month that I feel I could run forever, I love those days.
We all think about this as we run, it's amazing how powerful it is when we write them down.
Zoom....
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I run because i find it the purest form of self discipline,it is only you and the road plus it gives quality time to your body and mind
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...because afterwards my body feels loose after a tense day...
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To push myself to the limit...then push myself even more.
To run faster every time i race.
For that feeling that you are on top of the world when you win a race.
Just because i love it.
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All the stresses and problems in life fall away when I run.
I feel much more relaxed and in control of my life when I finish a good run.
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because I can! great story
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Because it makes my life better
To see how far I can push myself
To find the happiness in the struggle
To escape, relax, be alone
To discover who I am
To be the best runner I can be
The thrill of racing and winning
Because it makes me happy :)
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because its challenging
because i like to feel that burning in my legs.
to work off all the food i love to eat
because i love running, its in our blood.
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To feel good! That exercise high blows the doors off your worries and stresses, doesn't it? ;D
Because it makes you feel like you're dancing over the earth instead of trudging...
Great idea, to think about and list Why you run!
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Why not run?
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I run for me.Pure and simple.
To clear my head and think of nothing.
To feel the elation of finishing a race.
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I run for some very similar reasons, because I feel like a million dollars at the end. Its a great way to be with friends that enjoy to be and stay fit or get back in shape...to refresh and shake my heart and soul of life stress...to be stronger and see how amazing is the world around us. It feels so good afterwards!
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I run for all those reasons too. Plus, because I CAN run. I've only been doing this for a few years, a lot of people my age have long given up but I was a late starter. I'm not giving up until my body can't hack it any more.
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I run as it helps me digest my food
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I run to reduce weight.. it helps in digestion too
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Hi, from Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK. Nice and inspiring post. I've been reading alot into the psychology of activities like running as i sometimes find it hard to keep it going/run that extra few miles. Your post will come in handy :-)
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I ask myself this question all the time. I run because I can, and thousands others can't. I run becuase I tell myself it is only a few minutes or hours of my life that I have to do it and the faster I run the sooner it will be over. I run because I find it a challenge and when I get to the rare stage where for a few minutes I am not struggling, not huffing and puffing and not feeling like I want to give up, I feel strong, alive and healthy. I run to be fitter and to look fit!
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Really Awesome reasons to run! I run when to think, and to get in shape!
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ALL great reasons to run!! I run to clear my mind. I know how alive I am when I run!!
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Awesome:) I love it.
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