I run for joy and fitness.
I was big into track and cross country in high school and for a few years afterwards as well.
I choose to continue to run because it's healthy and it's a lifestyle choice I've made.
I suppose that not attending college right out of high school (I graduated in 2002 and attended college in 2004)
contributed to the fact I got out of competing.
Not being on a team, I did most of my training alone.
I missed a full year of training that because of os-trigonum syndrome.
I needed surgery in an ankle. By the time I was able to train again, I'd over a year.
That's a lot of time off.
My mindset was still focused, though I ultimately realized I wasn't happy training alone.
I'd put in 70 miles/week for a few months at a time.
I'd run a decent road race but would then lose my desire.
Running is very solitary, and without a team, doing nearly all of your training alone, you need to be very, very determined.
I remember going out for a run where I'd intended to do 6 or maybe 10 miles. After a few miles, I just realized - 'I'm not happy doing this' and I'd cut the run short. I'd ask myself 'What am I doing this for? I'm not happy. There's no point.'