Why I Run - This Is My Story

Why do I run? Well that's a loaded question. I was asked to tell my story. My first thought was that I don't have a story to tell, but then I realized we all have a story. And each one is different and unique. So here is mine...


I honestly can't tell you when exactly that I started running, but I can tell you how I got started. There was this girl who worked at the local gym, and I always saw her running. She looked so amazing running around town. I envied her and her ability. As I drove past her one day while she was out running, I thought, if she can do it, so can I.

I drove home to my tiny apartment, put on an old pair of shorts, a slouchy tee, and some tennis shoes. And I took off. It was LIBERATING. I was doing it. I was running. I am awesome. I was probably humming the rocky theme song.

That feeling was quickly followed by... I can't breathe. I am gonna die. And instead of doing some type of loop, I did an out and back. So yep, I had to walk my red faced gasping for air self back home. Trust me, I looked nothing like the girl who I saw running all over town. But I was proud of myself for doing it, and I joined a running class at the gym. And that's how it all began.

And all of these years later, I remember that feeling... that feeling of accomplishment and being a part of something bigger than myself.

So why do I run?

Well that has evolved through the years. When I lived in Mississippi, I enjoyed the comradery of running with others. I would meet my best friend most mornings for a run before work.

When I moved to Pennsylvania everything drastically changed.  I remember telling my husband that I was going for a run to come home bawling. I'm never running again I would shout as I stomped off past him. He would kindly say ok honey. This happened morning after morning. My reason for running was no longer there. I wasn't meeting my best friend to run anymore - it was just me alone pounding the pavement. I stopped running, but not for long. And before I knew it, I was running again. But this time it was to improve my running. It was race times and distances.

I ran 5Ks, 10Ks, Half Marathons and 2 Marathons. It was about pushing myself to see what I could do.

And over the years I got burned out and injured. Yep, overtraining, over everything and I hit a super rough patch with injuries. And once again my reason for running shifted. I knew that I didn't want to give it up, but a change had to happen.

I started running for fun... for the pure fun of running. And this is where I am today.

I haven't raced in awhile. Will I race again? Maybe? But I don't feel the need to race as I have in the past. So if you asked me today at this moment why I run, I'd have to say for fun and for my health. But I've been running long enough to know that it evolves, and why I run today might not be why I would run tomorrow.

Thankfully my clothing choices have evolved with me. Once I found (affiliate link) Skirt Sports, I never looked back.

If you've ever thought about becoming a runner,  here are some tips on how to get started.



Writing is one of my passions, and I'm stepping out there on faith to follow my dream. If you like this blog or this post, please take a moment to share it with friends. Thank you for helping me follow my dream.

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