I believe I'd have a hard time counting the number of times I've been asked: "Why do you do it?" "Why do you get up early to run?" "Why do you run on the weekends instead of resting?" "Doesn't it hurt your knees?" Or more simply: "Geez, why do you run?"I admit, the list of excuses I could come up with for not running is pretty impressive. "Boy it would be great to sleep in today." "I'm too exhausted, I'll just workout tomorrow." "It's been a rough day." "I've got housework that needs to get done." "I'd rather go watch my daughter's gymnastics practice."
It's hard to get up early, push through physical and emotional exhaustion, missing some of my kids activities, and watch the cleaning pile up at home. It's lonely out there by yourself in the dark. It's cold pushing through the icy winters and hot knocking out those muggy summer miles.But I've never once actually asked myself (in that tone that implies that I make slightly crazy decisions with my life) "Why do I do it?" I think I know why.
Running isn't a choice for me, it's part of who I am. Running helps me relax. It helps me feel strong and accomplished. It improves my confidence. It helps me think clearer. And, it helps me release the bad in life.
But more importantly, at this stage in my life, is that I do it for my daughter. Girls need positive role models that are strong, normally sized, hard working and committed to their goals. It brings me joy to see her smiling face at a finish line cheering for me and waiting with a high five and a "good job Mama." I'm proud when she asks if she can run with me or asks me if I worked hard when I come home sweaty. It helps me to know that she will grow up knowing that women are capable. Soon, I will also do it for my son. He's still too young to understand why he waits at a little line at parks waiting for mama to run towards him. He doesn't know how much hard work or commitment went into completing that race or a tough workout, but someday he will. I want him to grow up proud that his mother was dedicated to achieving her goals and knowing that women are strong and capable.
So, in the end, the real response to someone asks me "Why do you do it?" is actually "Why don't you?" Happy trails!!!!
2015 miles to date: 224.58
Observations: It's been tough ramping up to the weekly mileage I need to maintain my training. I need to add another day of running per week to get there. Also, lately, my legs have been feeling a little heavy...need to figure that one out.
