Ok so today I didn’t go on a run, I walked to and from the cinema instead (such a nice evening for it). I have been pondering reasons to run, I know a few people who have started couch to 5k programs, and a few more who need the motivation.
I originally started running because I wanted to run the race for life. I had previously walked it and been inspired by all the people running, all ages, all shapes and sizes, all raising money for a passionate cause. So I decided that the following year I would run it (it’s a year away, I kind of put it to the back of my head). Well I signed up and the time got closer and I had no idea how I was going to do it. I found a beginner runners guide (see my beginner runner post for the plan) and followed it to the letter. Fitting 3 runs a week around work and life seemed hard, and some days I had to get up an hour early (takes me ages to dry my hair after a shower) so I could run before work, just to fit it in. Each week I found the progression hard, but each week I amazed myself and managed it.
The race for life was looming, and I had managed two 15 minute runs with a minute walk break in between, and had convinced myself that I could take a walk break if I needed it. But one of my friends joked that she would only sponsor me if I ran the whole way. So run the whole way I did! I even bounced on the spot when I was waiting at the narrow places to get past! I found it very hard (it was a very hot summer day) and emotional, reading all the messages on people’s backs, but I was so proud of myself for accomplishing it.
I had thought I would stop, but I didn’t, I found that I enjoyed running. So if you don’t want to run for charity (my first reason) here are some other reasons!
- When I am at work I look forward to some thinking time where it is just me and my thoughts.
- I look forward to listening to different music.
- I love the changing countryside and views.
- I love running to different places (I don’t very often try out a new route but when I do I love it).
- I love the feeling of accomplishment I get when I finish a challenging run.
- I love getting outside in the fresh air.
- I love the post-run feeling of tiredness and satisfaction.
- I love that fact I sleep better after a run.
- I love the feeling of making my legs, heart and lungs stronger.
- I love the tasty treats I “earn” while on a run (and the fact I crave healthier foods usually).
- I love having a challenge to train for such as running a race.
- I love the feeling when I cross the finish line on a race (and the medal after!).
I am sure there are other things I love too, but those are enough for today. Now some people ask me why, as if it is a bad thing (these are the people who now believe that there is no point eating fruit and vegetables each day as some study said it was inconclusive as to whether they reduce cancer risk- don’t get me started on that!). These people say things like “it’s bad for your joints” (it isn’t, studies show no more knee replacements or other joint problems in runners compared to non-runners), “your heart only beats so many times in a lifetime to running makes it go faster so you should stop running if you want to live longer” (not sure if I believe that, but surely running reduces my resting heart rate so overall it will last longer!), “I don’t have time to run” (I make time to run- instead of coming home and having a cup of tea and watching TV, I go on a run, instead of laying in bed all morning at the weekend I go on a run- it can be done).
Anyway, I am not trying to convert anyone, honest! But if you are slightly considering it then I would say go for it, you will never look back (unless you are being chased by a goose).
