A note from my friend Eric motivated me to write about what motivates me to run and I thought it would be worth posting…
From Eric:
And also just general congratulations re all those marathons. Holy cow. I ask every marathoner I know this question and have yet to get an answer that really explains it, but… why do you do it? That’s not me challenging you, it’s me trying to understand what motivates people do do it. I was thinking it must be something about challenging self-imposed mental limitations, but it never is. The answer is usually something like, “I like running” or “It was on my list of things to do”. So how about you?
So hmmm, why? what motivates me?
That answer tends to change depending on the mood, the time in life, the situation physical and psychological…. which is why “I like running”. I do it for me – to think clearly – to dream – to spend time focusing on what is important (i do my best work when running).
If you would have asked me that question in college – the answer would be to lose weight and to feel good about myself.
If you would have asked me in the early nineties – it was because I hated running (it was my worst of the 3 disciplines in triathlon and I am VERY VERY COMPETITIVE) and the more I ran the faster I got, and the better runner I became…
If you would have asked me when I was going through my divorce – the answer would have been to stay sane, to look slim and fit again, to figure it out – at least during each run. So – all in all – it keeps me sane, and has become more of an addiction then something that motivates me.
I don’t like how I feel when I don’t run…. I remember tearing my ACL and not being able to walk, it was not a happy time for me or those around me. I love to run – I love finishing each and every marathon and lately I love to WIN and to run faster then ever …. it is with all that pride that keeps me young and happy with me and all those around me. I know I could be ok if I didn’t, but I can so I do.
: )
Point of pride – I ran boston at 6 months post partum after taking a waived entry when I was pregnant for Schuyler. I wear that jacket with pride and tell everyone that will listen ALL my running stories. This is why I love to blog.
