For those of you that know me and follow me on facebook and twitter know that when I am not working I am usually running. I wrote this a few years ago as I was training for the Outerbanks marathon which are all the reasons why I used to run.
There are many reasons why I run. I love the freedom of the open road. I love the clarity and silence I find in myself by the end of a long run. I love exploring new places and discovering beauty in unexpected spots. I love it because I can push myself as hard as possible, drag my feet on days I’m tired, or just run without a thought about my pace. On bad days, running is always there for me. On lonely days, running is a good friend. On beautiful, sunny days, I can’t imagine a better way to enjoy the afternoon. Even in the middle of winter, the brisk air fills me with life.
On Saturday while I was running my 14 miles, on one of the most gorgeous Fall days you could get, I found myself wondering why I was doing this. For the first time in 5 years I can’t remember why I love to run. It has become something I have to do rather than something that I want to do. With every stride I feel aches and pains of over training more than the clarity I used to get from being on the open road. Remembering why I run is something that has become a top priority for me, with just 26 days until sister and I run the NYC marathon (my dream event years before I could even run 5 miles) I am hoping to refocus, recharge, and gear up for a day I have waited for since I watched my first NYC marathon almost 8 years ago.
This year has just flown by and as we wrap up another amazing wedding season, I am excited to slow down a bit and find time in enjoying the things that I love the most. Happy Monday Everyone!
