Why I Run

I’m training for my first full marathon at the end of this month. I have not always enjoyed running, but this training schedule has been great for me. Like many things, if you don’t run, you may not “get it.” I certainly didn’t for a long time. Recently, I’ve been considering why I run. Here are some of the reasons that come to mind, in no particular order.

I can’t fix the economy and I can’t make the phone ring. But I can get out and run.

• Stress relief. Running provides both a physical release and a mental break for the many concerns of my day. Move the body, clear the head.
• Quiet time. I have a home bursting with children and education. It’s many wonderful things, but quiet? Not really so much. And I’ve found that I pray with more focus when I move.
• Accomplishment. My life has turned upside down since losing my corporate jobs (this one AND this one) and reinventing my career. Even though I spend a tremendous amount of energy on this, many things are out of my control. I can’t fix the economy and I can’t make the phone ring. But I can get out and run.
• Fights depression. Similar to the point on stress. It’s been a rough five years. Get up, get out of the house, absorb some Vitamin D, and run. Hard.
• Because I can. I enjoy good health and am grateful that I have the ability to run. Running honors both myself and the Giver of health.
• Because I’m available. I have more time to spend working out than I did when working in corporate. What a gift!
• The Country Music Marathon. I love a good event and goal to work towards.
• Acting Practice. I’ve found that running is a great way to work on monologues and dialogues for acting. I record myself and put the file on my iPod. During my run, I’ll listen to my recording. Then, I’ll turn it off and try to recite the piece. Running gives me the opportunity to do the rote work of memorizing. Also, moving is a great way to connect emotionally with characters and experiment with different ways of vocal delivery.
• It makes me a better singer. Actually, it makes me a better lots of things. As a performer, I do a lot of physical work and work that requires that I stay fit. Singing is especially physical and running helps me keep my lungs in shape and practice breath control. If you can deep-breathe running Otter Creek Road from Franklin Road to Granny White, you’re in good singing shape!
• The dog. He needs to be exercised. Sometimes, my motivation comes from Buckeye the Wonderdog. (Then again, he often tries to talk me out of it).
• Entertainment. My iPod makes all of the difference for my running experience. I listen to music, news, podcasts, sermons, and books.
• Health. Honor thy creator, honor thy family, honor thy body.

Over to you: Do you run? Why do you do it? Why don’t you?