Why do you Run?

I hear it all of the time, runners run because of the medals they receive at the finish line. They pick races based upon the medals or awards given. Pictures posted on social sites of all their medals, hanging where everyone can see them.

Why do you run?

I ran the San Fransisco Nike Women's half Marathon last year with a client of mine. If you've ever run this race, or maybe you've heard at the finish line your Tiffany's necklace awaits you. That's all anyone talked about. Runners were posting pictures all over IG and Twitter. Seriously! People in the race were talking about how they had to finish so they could get their necklace.

Mine still in the box - maybe I should give it to someone???

Would you like to know where my necklace is? Still sitting in its little teal box in the back of my bathroom drawer. Hope I don't hurt your feelings by saying this, but it doesn't impress me... What impresses me, is the fact that you put time and effort into the training. The fact you finished. Now that IMPRESSES me.

You see, I don't run for the medals or the awards. I run because I can (which I'm very thankful for) and because of how much I Love it. For me, it's that simple. Running is about LOVE.

Years ago I ran to lose weight and feed my eating disorder. I ran because my friends ran and I wanted to be faster than them. I ran because I forced myself too. I ran because I thought it would impress guys.
I ran for so many reasons and loving it never was one of them.

It wasn't until after having my son 5 years ago, that I fell in love with running. I look forward to getting up early (most days) before the sun rises to get in some miles. I love the way running challenges me mentally and physically. I love the journey
 ( the slow days, fast days, long days, short days, the feelings, the moods, the hunger, the dedication).
The moment I stopped forcing myself to run and stopped running to be faster than someone else I was competing with, became the moment I changed. Running became fun and exciting with my son. It was always an adventure. An adventure I often miss. Now the adventure resides within myself. The adventure to become a faster and stronger runner. The adventure to break my PR. Running for me is about me and my own personal achievement. The love I have for running, keeps me from trying to race someone else, or think only about winning. (I race myself on the course.) That fact keeps me in check.
The miles I put into training and the races I run are to become the best "Me" runner I'm determined to be. That to me, is Love!

There are thousands of reasons why people run and I want to know, Why do you Run?

Whatever your reason, I'd love to hear.
Why Do you Run:

✔To lose weight
✔To cross train
✔To relieve Stress
 ✔To be alone and away from the kiddos
✔To prepare for an upcoming race
✔Because you truly love it too
✔For the food afterwards
✔For the medals/awards
✔Personal Satisfaction
✔Competitive
✔To become a better you.

Please share Why You Run. And if you're a runner for the medals, please share a picture of all those medals ☺




~Just Breathe

Brooke Myers