Happy Valentine’s Weekend!
Runners can be pretty passionate about running, and why shouldn’t we be? There are so many thing to love about running. We’ve tried to explain our love for running in the essays below. Why do you love running? Tell us in the comments!
Why Do You Love Running?
Lauren: I love running because, while there’s a million things you can buy for running, all you really need is a good pair of running shoes. I love running because every run is different. Sometimes it’s therapeutic, sometimes it’s fun, and sometimes it’s really challenging. It never gets dull. I love running because, while I like running races, the sport is really all about me. Me pushing myself to do my best, to work hard, and get stronger.
Tai: Despite only recently writing a love letter to Yasso 800 workouts (really more of a diary), running has been an early first love. I have loved running from the time I was an early teen living in Myrtle Beach, SC. It was just something I could do in high school, and it didn’t require friends to do it (which was lucky because I didn’t have a lot of those). I loved running because all I had to do was put on my sneakers, or, coming from a rather poor family after things took a turn south, I would often run barefoot on the beach. Running was free. The beach was free. I knew the mileage between a certain beach access and a giant hotel, and would go multiple times per day, even as late as midnight. Seagulls and sandpipers didn’t make fun of me, and didn’t deride me. They just scattered as I approached (come to think of it, in that way they WERE like the people I went to high school with!). I love running because although running can be expensive, it doesn’t have to be. It is, and when done right, makes you feel: free.
Kim: I love running, because running has changed the way I see myself. When I was a kid, I was frequently picked last in sports and didn’t see myself as athletic. Over the past few years I’ve been setting and accomplishing running goals that my younger self couldn’t have even imagined – most recently, running the Marine Corps Marathon. I now see myself not only as an athlete, but also as a coach, seeking to inspire others to change the way they view themselves, too.
Courtenay: I love running, because it’s always there for me. Running listens to all my problems and helps me solve my dilemmas. Running pushes me to be my best self, and doesn’t let me get away with cutting corners. Running takes me to places I’ve never been before, and shows me the beauty in my own neighborhood. Running doesn’t mind if I play with my weights or take a spin on my bike–as long as I don’t miss our sunrise dates.
Janelle: It’s crazy to think that running has been such a defining part of my life for the past 5 years; it’s been an amazing experience! When I lined up for my first race with 40,000 runners at the Broad Street 10 Mile Run in Philadelphia, I realized how fun and inspiring running can really be, and I’m grateful for all the miles I’ve been able to since that day. I love running because running has taught me many life lessons and while I’ve had my struggles, I can’t imagine ever letting go.
How Much Do You Love Running?
Dear Running,
I can’t believe we’ve been together so long. Some days, it feels like we just met yesterday. But most of the time, I feel like we’ve been together forever. I honestly can’t go a day without you. Thinking of you, planning for our next encounter, talking about you to my friends. Even if we’re only together for short time, that’s better than nothing. When I think of you, my heart pounds and my stomach does flip flops. When we first started, people worried I was obsessed, that I was spending too much time with you. But I think now everyone realizes when we’re together, I’m happy, I’m stronger, and I’m a better version of me.
I love you Running, and I always want you in my life.
Love,
Elizabeth
P.S. Sorry for that time I cussed at you. I didn’t mean it, I was just really tired.
