Why I Run

When you start running regularly, people sometimes ask you why you do it. I ask that question too — I have a colleague who is an ultra-marathon runner (runs of 50 miles at a time). I couldn’t help but ask her the same question — after all, what can possibly make a person go through such exhaustive event, not to mention the months of training preceding that.

I still don’t know exactly what makes her do it, but for me, it comes down to several reasons:

It’s a Rock of Stability — when everything else in the life is unstable or unclear, a running routine becomes one of the few things you can rely on in your day to day routine — as stable as a rock. It’s one of the things that’s entirely under your control and you know that you’re the one that decides whether you’re going to go or not, whether you’ll run fast or slow, far or close. It genuinely creates a certain comfort during a crazy day when you have a run to to look forward to.

It’s Slightly Painful — not in a bad way, but it definitely pushes your body slightly outside of your comfort zone. As a result, there is a bit of pain associated with it which makes you more acutely aware of yourself and your body. Sometimes, it can be a good thing, as it makes you appreciate your body more.

It Makes You Feel Strong — while I’ve never been a particularly athletic person in my childhood years, there is a certain pride that comes your way when you know that you’re capable of running 5 miles, 10, 26. During a typical run, I find that that you go through the initial phase when you start off fresh and energetic, a phase in the middle when you start to get slightly tired or out of breath, and then a final phase when you catch the second wind. That last phase brings a new outburst of energy because you realize that you’ve already gone a long way, but can still have it in you to keep going. You’ve pushed yourself and you’ve accomplished something and made your body stronger.

It’s Peaceful — going running in the mornings, around 6am, especially when it’s colder and there are fewer people outside is really serene. You get to see the city wake up, you get to see the sunset, and you get to be on your own with your thoughts or music. It’s simply a good start to a new day.

At the end of the day, do I enjoy waking up extra early and going for a run? Generally, the answer is no. I have a difficult time getting out of bed at 6am and would certainly prefer to sleep for an extra hour or so, especially during the cold winter months. And, to tell the truth, running itself isn’t too pleasurable in its own right.

However, inevitably, after I complete each run and return home, I am really glad I’ve done it. After a while, it becomes drug-like — you need to do it or you end up feeling grumpy, cranky or unsatisfied with yourself. But maybe that’s just me.

Originally published at www.quarterlifemusings.com on November 12, 2010.