Why I run when I am not in love with running?

Yesterday I ran the Minnetonka 1/2 Marathon for the third time.  I am not one of those crazy runner types, in fact I often complain, long for it to be over, and get annoyed with all of my friends that tell me "they could run forever".  What is wrong with them anyway???  But here I am.  I did it again. 

In fact I have been doing at least one race each spring for the last 4 or 5 years.  So, I thought in today's post I would share my "why" and maybe in return give you some insight into how you can find your fitness stride (HA HA).  

I started running many years ago when I had a roommate that was running marathons.  I thought to myself if she can run 26 miles I can surely run ONE.  Well, let me tell you that first mile SUCKED.  I hated it but I was determined.  I lived by Lake Calhoun and slowly built my way to running the whole lake.  I lived close by so eventually, I decided if I ran from my house I wouldn't have to drive to the lake and deal with parking.  That was 5 miles.  I lived in this space for a very long time running mostly 3 miles a few times per week.  I did not love it but I loved being outside and I loved that I could get a hard workout in 30 minutes. 

Fast forward many years later and throw a couple of kids in the mix and that is how I ended up running longer races.  I didn't have a lot of time to myself but I could take my kids and sometimes I could leave them home and run with my friends.  This gave me lots of options during a busy time.

See running for me is so many different things.  It is therapeutic (I don't have to use my brain).  I can get it done quickly,  it is a time to socialize, and it is a time to get fresh air and do something for myself.    It is not the run I love but the social time, the "me time",  and the fresh air.   The flexibility I have to do it almost anytime, anywhere, alone or with others, indoors or outdoor.  I run races because it motivates me to run, gets me excited to run, and gives me an excuse to be with my friends.  

My advice to you. Find inspiration.  Set goals.  Make it fun.  

Happy running or whatever it is you like to do.  If you are not sure what you like to do contact me and I can help you figure it out.  T