Why Do I run?

Why do I run?

I finally decided 13 years ago that I was a runner. It was after I ran my first 5k in Alaska. Training consisted of early mornings on the treadmill and an occasional afternoon neighborhood run. At that time I ran 2 miles with each episode. This wasn't the first time I was running. I enjoyed it as a young adult living in rural Georgia. Dirt roads were the common path and it was more about trying it out and not an addiction. Then when I gain a few extra pounds after the birth of my last child, I found it a quick easy way to lose the weight. Never did I study running, form, breathing or did I spend any significant money on gear. I used what I had and we really didn't have extra funds for that kind of thing.

Maybe I was bored 13 years ago. I needed something that made me feel alive. It also gave me a figure that I had never had and in the end I felt beautiful. I gained confidence. Running opened my heart to other outdoor activities. Soon I became a mountain trail hiker attempting some really awesome peaks in the Anchorage bowl as well as other areas we ventured to while fishing or hunting. The feeling I gained from trail runs or hikes just fueled a growing love/addiction to fitness.

I remember once that I was experiencing some chest cold type symptoms. It wasn't serious and didn't really feel like a cold so I went in to have it checked out. The Practitioner ordered a chest xray and a medication similar to what Asthmatics take. It helped but overall just good old fashion rest and hydration is what I believe helped in the end. Several weeks later I received mail from the health care facility the xray was taken at that "if you were recently diagnosed with COPD.....". I was somewhat alarmed so I called my provider. What she said was that the xray was read by the Radiologist and she felt that because my diaphragm flattened on inhale or exhale (not sure which one now), the reader indicated possible COPD. My provider actually called the reader to talk. She explained that I was a runner and didn't smoke and was pretty healthy. So the explanation I received was that sometimes this happens to runners. Mistaken COPD Diagnosis due to flat diaphragms. I made sure it was taken off my health records.

After that first 5k, I really started becoming interested in collecting more bibs. More 5ks until I finally attempted a half. Of course I had to ramp up my mileage. No longer could I just opt for a quick 2 miles. Longer runs came hard and still do but at the end I am always glad I did it. There were also times I would begin a run thinking I could go forever and then just wind up doing 3 or less. Regardless, that first 5k was a moment of clarity that I was needing this as a life activity.

Many moments when I have felt down and unmotivated, there has always been a video, movie, or meeting of someone who has struggled more than myself. So if I have two good legs, two good feet, good shoes, then how could I not run? Especially if someone else wanted to do it so badly. How could I not?

Since 2002, I have ran many 5ks, 10ks, Halves, a few mountain races as well as Sprint and Olympic size triathlons. What is next? Well, a marathon should be next and of course an Ironman. Why not do both? So next November, Chris and I have signed up to complete our first Ironman. As we both begin this journey, keep us in your prayers. Send us your tips and cheers. We welcome them even if we don't follow it.

As Chris states many times on our adventures in physical activities, "here comes the pain train, baby" and "pain don't hurt"!

If there is every a time when you wonder why you do something, Write down your pros and cons. Most of the time, your pros will always win out if it is especially something you love. Stay safe. Stay on left side against traffic on your runs and with traffic on your biking obeying the rules of the road at all times. Run hard, run often, and never spend too much money on gear that doesn't fit well and doesn't make you look absolutely fab.

And most of all, stay healthy!