Seriously, why do you run? Is it because you like the thrill of winning / competing? Is it to keep from getting fat? Is it to experience euphoria or runner's high? Are you not any good at any other sport that is more fun (and that would be most of you). Do you like inflicting bodily pain?
Just wondering
Why do I run?
As I break through the entrance to the forest, I know it is likely that after 400 meters I will not see another living sole until I return 90 minutes later - no demands on me, no interaction with others; only birds and running water, my own thoughts and poundings, and quiet.
Sometimes I go for a run and at the end look at my watch only to be amazed not at how fast the run was, but how easy it felt the whole time even though it was fast - rolling.
I don't run to look better. I run for better health yes, but only because better health is a bonus benefit. If tomorrow they said that running more than 50 miles per week would cut your life short, I'd head out on my 12 mile Wednesday run just like always and plan the other runs including the long on one Sunday.
Running is euphoria. Running is a true test of man against nature. Running allows you to monitor your body like no other activity. Running is competing - with yourself and others, but competing with yourself is the main goal. You just go and go and go some more - you hit the crest and see from atop the hill the wide span of land below which you feel you can cover in a matter of seconds, but it will take longer, and you are GLAD that it will. Today's run is only 8 miles - damn! I wish I were further along in the training so I could go more. 4 more days until that long run - I can't wait. Crap, maybe I should throw this training aside and just run insane distances every day. I would if not for goals. The goal to prove fitness. The goal to hit times. The goal to run a better, smarter, faster race than last time. The goal to learn how to go even faster the next time.
The speed
The power
The freedom
The fluidity
The introspection
The majesty
AS GOD IS MY WITNESS, I WOULD RUN TO THE MOON AND BACK IF I COULD, AND WHEN I RETURNED I WOULD HATE THE VERY MOMENT I SLOWED TO A WALK!!!!
CAN I GET AN AMEN?!
Dreams!
As much as you would like to think that it involves some zen mind / body/ spirit connection to the universe or sense of personal achievement, I'm afraid that I got into running for one reason only: the non-stop sex, booze, and money lifestyle of the American distance runner.
Now excuse me, I've got a couple of porn actresses waiting in the back of my Escalade.
Flagpole:
Amen Brother! very good!
Man PR, they're with you now? They told me they were going down to the 7-11 for some Pringles. Who can you trust if you can't trust a couple of porn stars?
Thanks Bubba,
Obviously I am currently geeked/stoked about the running. Things have been going well the last couple months and seeing how I have at least 7 months of running to do before Columbus, I am excited about the possibilities for me there. A little more distance, some speed work to sharpen and then some tapering - assuming I stay injury and illness free, I hope to run a decent marathon in October.
I here what you are saying PR, but it catches up with you, the drugs, the people hanging out just for the money and status, in and out of rehab, the many children by different mothers, life in the NBA ... uh, er, we are talking about running, right... nevermind...
And the free Power Bars, don't forget them.
Me, I'm in it for the groupies. The ones wearing running bras. Only problem is fitting more than one into the altitude tent.