This Monday marked my first run in 2 weeks. As you may remember, I managed to twist/tweak/mess up my ankle mid-August, and as someone who is rarely injured, not being able to jog across the street, let alone hop on the treadmill, was definitely a shock to the system. I wasn’t completely out of commission cardio wise – I substituted my running with hard sweaty cycling workouts like this one, and still taught my regular group cycling/RPM classes. But it just wasn’t the same. My butt was tired of being on a seat and I really wanted to get moving!

I’m not too sure when it ‘healed’, but over the long weekend, I started planning my workouts for the week. I hadn’t been thinking much about my ankle, but all of the sudden I realized that it wasn’t sore at all any more. Immediately I became as giddy as a child on Christmas Eve, or a foodie in Whole Foods, thinking about how I was actually going to be able to run on Monday morning!

(Source)

And run was exactly what I did. And it was beautiful. It was one of those runs where even though I was chugging along at my usual pace for a steady-state jaunt, it felt effortless. One of those runs where I got completely lost in my own head as I happily pranced along, only to look down and realize I’d been at it for 53 minutes. My heart rate was up and I was sweaty, but it felt oh. so. good.

I’ve been in the same euphoric state during all of my treadmill sessions so far this week, and forgive me for going all Nike commercial on you this morning, but having been reacquainted after 2 weeks with a friend that I normally see every day, I’m still thriving on endorphins.

I Run….

To wake myself up in the morning.

(Source)

To improve my cardiovascular health.

For the endorphin rush and runner’s high.

To stay lean.

(Source)

To get the energy I need to start my day.

To organize my thoughts.

To feel happy.

To release aggression.

To relieve stress.

(Source)

To hash out important decisions.

To calm myself down.

(Source)

To psych myself up.

To maintain strong bones.

To keep my legs lookin’ hawwwwt.

(Source)

To get nice and and schweaty.

To compose and rehearse important (and sometimes difficult) conversations I need to have with people.

To daydream about moments I wish I could re-live.

To push my limits.

For those who can’t.

For that hurts-so-good feeling in my legs.

(Source)

Because it builds character.

Because it gets my heart pumping.

Because it provides an escape.

Because I like to compete with myself.

(Source)

Because I want to live a long and healthy life.

Because I want to be able to run around after my kids and grandkids.

Because unlike other sports, there is no equipment to buy or teammates to rely on – nothing can get in the way.

(Source)

Because it helped me lose 70 lbs and find myself.

(Source)

Because it makes me feel amazing.

(Source)

It probably won’t surprise you that my question for today is:

Why do you run?

Subscribe Button