100 Reasons I love to Run

With another fall training season upon me, I thought it was the perfect time to give homage to the sport of running. I've been wanting to make this tribute for some time now, and figured the timing was perfect as I began another fall training series. (Already registered for the Baca Bolt and Monumental and hoping to get another race in run another one as well). The fall is always my favorite season to run.

The concept of running is a funny thing. It's usually perceived in two ways by people; they either hate it or they love it. To many it's a boring and overly strenuous form of exercise. In some regards this is a fair generalization as running is about as simple and repetitive of an exercise as there is. It is also one of the most demanding since the motion is fully generated by the body, without any added support (unlike the water from swimming or the bike in cycling). 

However just like any exercise the whole purpose is to step out of your comfort zone. And running is the ultimate exercise since it blends cardio with muscle toning. However it takes time to get a feel for the sport. With running there is certainly a beginning stage of adjusting and getting the body into shape which can often take weeks to months depending on the body type. To get to a place where you can actually enjoy the many benefits of running can often take years of training. 

I've been running competitively since my 8th grade year, when I was 14. After I finished track and field in high school I switched over to long distance road races. It did not take me long to realize the many benefits of running. So without further ado here goes my well thought out list,. Next time somebody asks or jokes or doesn't quite understand the reasoning behind it, here's a look at my 100 reasons why I run.

1. To feel good
2. To exercise
3. To get outdoors
4. To listen to music
5. To strengthen my muscles
6. To lose weight
7. To train for races
8. To run with my dog Cochie
9. To run and connect with others
10. To let out stress
11. To reflect on the day
12. To see people
13. To be seen by people
14. To feel free
15. To record data (overall time, splits, calories burnt, etc)
16. To have multiple courses
17. To improve on times, splits, and courses
    
18. To feel strong
19. To meet people
20. To compete with family and friends
21. To talk about with other people
22. To feel proud of my accomplishments
23. To encourage others to partake
24. To release endorphins
25. To achieve the runner's high (transcendence of the body and mind in motion)
26. To feel fast
27. To improve my mood
28. To showoff the gear (represent a shirt)
29. To sleep better
30. To improve my posture
31. To build survival skills
32. To get closer to God
33. To appreciate the weather (hot, warm, rainy, cool, cold, snowy, or freezing)
    
34. To appreciate the surrounding environment (the sky, trees, animals, water, etc)
35. To see hot women
36. To feel better about myself
37. To have a hobby
38. To have something I'm good at
39. To break new personal records
40. To race with other people
41. To enjoy another person's company thru social exercising
42. To feel motivated
43. To motivate others
44. To take on new challenges
45. To set goals
46. To build my confidence
47. To test my will power
48. To have a better diet (such as not drinking pop or eating better to run faster)
    
49. To stay clear of drugs
50. To stay clear of smoking
51. To stay fit
52. To stay lean
53. To stay quick
54. To stay sharp
55. To feel comfortable
56. To feel a sense of routine and familiarity
57. To think of others
58. To think of the past, the present, and the future
59. To sweat
60. To release anger
61. To release sadness
62. To smile
63. To show pride and strength
64. To show humility and pain
65. To be in shape for soccer 
    
66. To be in shape for triathlons
67. To be disciplined
68. To feel inspired
69. To inspire others
70. To enhance the state of peace afterwards
71. To feel aroused
72. To feel grateful
73. To stretch out the legs and the body
74. To feel a sense of belonging 
75. To feel sane
76. To be in control of one's body
77. To be in control of one's mind
78. To push oneself to new limits
79. To discover new feelings 
80. To return to old feelings of nostalgia
    
81. To overcome adversity
82. To hang on at difficult times
83. To coast along at good times
84. To pace at a comfortable level
85. To surge and kick when the time is right
86. To ease off when the pain becomes unbearable
87. To feel strong for others
88. To make others proud
89. To kill time
90. To get away
91. To give off good vibes and energy to others
92. To take on good vibes and energy from others
93. To stay healthy
94. To stay active
95. To strengthen my bones
96. To live longer
97. To breathe better
98. To increase stamina
99. To feel happy
100. To feel alive

This is my personal list, and the many reasons why I choose to run. I think many of these reasons are quite common among runners, however each person has reasons of their own (such as running with their children or for the loss of a loved one).  I've been running for over 10 years now, and I'm sure the list will change as does my life. One things for sure I have no intention whatsoever of hanging up the shoes anytime soon. I hope to be running long into my 60s and 70s.  This list was fairly easy to come up with, which is a true testament to the wonderful hobby of running.