Why Do I Run? Part 1
Greetings to everyone! Depending on what part of the country you’re from, you could be in the middle of a heatwave. If that’s the case, then just slow down and take it easy.
Speaking of taking it easy…
It’s been two years this month since my mitral heart valve repair, and I am not fully adjusted. I sometimes find myself locked in the past. I’m referring to what I used to do when I should really be focused on what I can do.
Yes, it’s frustrating to know that you have some limitations that you didn’t have before, but the only way around it is to face it. I’m not ready to throw in the towel. I can be cautious and still push the limits a little.
Humans have the spark not to be content.
Maybe that’s one of the reasons you choose to run. Is it? Why do you run?
This is a question with no right or wrong answer. I’m using running as the sport of choice, but you may apply any sport such as walking, biking, etc. My answer to that question is that it defines who I am.
I didn’t take my first running steps until June of 1982 and entered my first race in September later that year—the Philadelphia Distance Run (13.1 miles). My goal was two hours, and I finished in 1 hour 59 minutes. I have developed a certain degree of discipline and it has helped to build self-confidence.
If I didn’t run, I don’t think I would be here sharing these words with you. Running has helped save my life and made my heart stronger. I feel a sense of freedom while out running, and early morning is my best time to enjoy the quiet sounds while running along the streets and seeing a few passing cars.
I like to think that no matter that sport, you will get out what you put into it. My desire is that each of you find something that helps you develop that passion and do something which you love doing. We all have a certain amount of stress, and the key is to not let it consume your body, but rather control it.
I’ve asked a few of my friends the same questions, and they all have different levels of fitness. Read them and see if you can relate to them. It’s never too late to change your lifestyle. You should never reach a point where you’re content, but keep raising the bar because it is for you.
Do what makes the heart happy.
So, let’s start reading.
Craig Greene
I have been running since I was a young teenager. I’m now 54, turning 55 this November. Running is a sport that instills discipline and focus. I love the discipline because both of my grandfathers were prior military. Both encouraged me to be a disciplined person, which has helped me tremendously as a runner. I also love running because it makes you challenge yourself. You can set goals to set a personal record and improve as a runner. It’s a great feeling to achieve your goal. Sometimes, you may not achieve your goal, but you still have your good health.
During running events, you meet other runners who become your friends for life. Your friendships create competition, which allows you to push each other as runners to do your best. You also learn from each other how to train. Running allows me to be healthy, which is very important. It decreases stress for me and allows a person to have a sound mind. You can take your thoughts to a peaceful place while running. The mind becomes clear and free of worries.
God willing, I plan to continue running until my body tells me it’s time to stop. However, I will always have a passion and love for the sport of running. Running has changed my life and gave me a new beginning in life. I live my life with enjoyment.
Vi Davies
I run for health, fitness, and strength, but mainly because I remember a time when I couldn’t. I do it because I can.
Roger Plamondon
Why do I run? I run because my ninth grade cross country coach planted the seed that I could. Over the past 45 years, I’ve had some extraordinary events that are directly attributable to running. I met my darling wife thirty years ago in Dawson City, Yukon, at the Dome race. This incredible sport has also introduced me to some of my best friends and unique individuals from all walks of life.
Running was a great stress reliever while working as general duty police officer and detachment commander for more than 35 years. It afforded me the opportunity to become a member and, later, instructor of the Emergency Response Team. In 2010, Canada held the winter Olympics in Vancouver. I was one of five police officers chosen across Canada to travel to Athens, Greece, and across Canada for more than three months as part of the security team for the Olympic Torch relay.
Running also provided pure, clean, positive energy while I was deployed on three occasions with the United Nations in Africa and the former Yugoslavia. Running in these regions of the world gave me a chance to think about life and the local obstacles, to reflect on the pain and suffering of the local people, and an opportunity to think about how I could be a better or different person who could maybe inspire others.
It’s hard to believe that nearly five decades have passed since I took up running. My times keep getting slower, the joints may hurt a little more, and recovery from injuries seems to take much longer. Having said that, I run because I can, and I truly believe that this is one of the great gifts that was given to me.
Henry Peck
I love participating in sports. I run because running is a great sport—the real deal. Running is the basis of almost all sports, and it gives me a foundation to enjoy a lifetime of other activities.
Leslie Kindlding
To get outside away from the phone and computer, to let my thoughts wander, to get close to nature, and to breathe in fresh air.
Lindsay Goulet
Running is my drug! It’s the one place I feel like I can be alone with my thoughts and feelings and completely step away. It has given me drive and determination that translates to all aspects of my life. It’s my stress relief, and my sanity, and the thrill of competing with others and myself keeps me hungry! I’ve developed some of my closest relationships through running and hope that I’m still going for many more years to come!
Go here to catch the second part of this story.
