Why I Like Running

Recently I was asked if I am a runner. I hesitated for a moment as I contemplated this term, but then answered, "I am now."

Five and a half months ago I gave birth to our second son. Three and a half months ago I tested the waters back into exercise as I participated in a 5K, and I was proud of myself for trying to run at times during the race. I wondered if I could run a 5K without any walking, so I persevered through a few weeks of training and ran the entire 5K! Since then I have been hooked on running. I have logged nearly 200 miles in the past three months.

Why do I like to run?

I like to run because it makes me feel alive. While I have never been much of an athlete and I am by no means a naturally competitive person, running has pushed me to challenge myself to new levels. Tracking my progress has motivated me to go farther and go faster. While I am not the fastest runner out there, I have learned that I can go my own pace and be healthy and conditioned.

The time alone is truly relaxing, though I am certainly not alone when I run. Running has provided me many hours to spend worshiping God by listening to uplifting music and in prayer as I run through God's beautiful creation. I love taking in the sights---the birds, ponds, trees, fields, flowers, sunsets, sunshine, rain, and on the list rolls.

Running is full of variety, which is another reason I like to run. The scenery, people, and weather conditions vary, but so do the runs themselves. I love starting out easy and then running intervals as fast as my legs will go. Sometimes I like to push myself and run a shorter distance at a harder speed. And I have certainly surprised myself with how much I enjoy running slow, long distances where the miles just tick off one after another.

There are other reasons I like running. It's cheap or free, it doesn't require a gym membership, I like achieving goals, and it's amazing to build endurance. I can't complain about the side effects of building muscle and losing baby weight either! :) And as a mom who takes care of others all day, it feels great knowing I am doing something good for myself.

As I train my body to run my first half marathon in just 24 days, I am confident that I will do a great job. Even if that means I just "run to finish" without concern for a finishing time. A half marathon is something I never would have dreamed that I would actually WANT to run. I know that I have inspired myself to continue to pursue health and fitness for myself and for my family, and I know that if I can run, ANYONE can too.