Running for a reason



Why do you run? A simple question with many different answers. For me it is many things: stress relief, to stay healthy, to be outside, to socialize, to prove my strength to myself and accomplish things I never thought possible. These are the things we need to to remember when the alarm goes off at 4:30 am and we second guess our decision to get out and run 1/2 mile repeats while much of the world is still sleeping.

I started running to say I could finish a marathon and raise money for Stroke Research, that led to 10 more years of marathons and eventually coaching and raising even more money for Cancer research, nearly $10,000 between the two organizations.

This week I am donating my miles to A Girl Runner's Memorial Run to remember the 7th anniversary of hurricane Katrina. Since that time I've heard first hand experience from friends who worked rescue and medical in the aftermath as well as attended graduate school with multiple trips to Alabama in an area effected by Katrina. No matter what you run, donate your miles to let her know you remember those effected.

Why do you run? It is so important to remind ourselves of why we started in the first place.

Comments

  1. UnknownAugust 29, 2012 at 9:30 AM

    Wow - and you kept running marathons?

    I am running to say I have done a marathon too - I'm raising money for eating disorders through the Butterfly Foundation. But now I love running. or its own sake.

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownAugust 29, 2012 at 10:09 AM

    Great post! I am running to prove to myself that I can and my kids. I don't plan on stopping either! I don't know about a full marathon though, that seems out of my reach right now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Coach JenSeptember 2, 2012 at 7:11 AM

      Showing our kids what we as moms can do is huge and shows them such good role models :)

      Delete
  3. DebbieAugust 29, 2012 at 5:36 PM

    I started running because...it's hard to say. I did it to get out of the gym and aerobics classes. Then I did my first race, a 10k, and I was pretty good at it, so I kept training to get better. For my first marathon, I also raised money (for Leukemia Society) and I've also run for Fred's Team (for children's' cancer research-got to go to Paris for that one). Now that I'm older and slower, I run because I love how it makes me feel, how I can just go outside and run without thinking too much about it. I guess I run because I can.

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    Replies
    1. Coach JenSeptember 2, 2012 at 7:13 AM

      Paris, what a fun destination! So true, running makes me feel wonderful :)

      Delete
  4. Mommy Run FastAugust 29, 2012 at 8:55 PM

    I think I was surprised by running- started out as a fun activity with friends, and I got hooked! Now my reasons also include many of the things you mentioned... to stay sane, to get a burst of energy, to feel balanced, to do something that's just for me, for health, etc.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Coach JenSeptember 2, 2012 at 7:14 AM

      I love how running becomes a fun activity and so needed in our busy lives!

      Delete

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