I run for me.
To be healthy. To feel better. To look better. To live longer. To be able to eat and drink more of what I want and still be fit. I run because both my grandfathers and my father had heart attacks before they turned 60. To paraphrase Christopher McDougall in Born To Run paraphrasing George Bernard Shaw, “You don’t stop running because you get old. You get old because you stop running.”
I run for my wife.
To have more energy. To be hotter. To be better in bed.
I run for my kids.
To play more energetically with them. To show them being active is good for you and fun. To survive long enough to see them move out and build their own lives.
I run for my grandkids.
To meet the grandkids I may one day have, and be able to play with them, too.
I run for you.
This came later. I didn’t start out running for you. No offense. I like you. But you’re not why I started to run (unless you’re listed above). But as I’ve been doing it, and sharing my experience here, and on Twitter, and on dailymile, I’ve found it feels great when people tell me I inspired them to run, or walk, or get off the couch. And that, that sense of community, that evidence that doing what’s best for me can inspire someone to do what’s best for them, that is by far the most unexpected benefit of running. So for that, thank you.
See you out there.
This is a companion piece to one the nice folks at dailymile graciously allowed me to post on the dailymile community blog, where I talk more about running barefoot and in Vibram Fivefingers, and about becoming a runner in general.
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Those are great reasons, i wonder what mine would be for why I don’t run when there are those clear benefits
SAHD PDX´s last blog … This is how we roll
Great reasons to be a runner! You do inspire so thanks!
Well you already know you inspired me, but it bears repeating. Your updates truly got me motivated to do better for myself and my family. Thanks M.
Karen´s last blog … karensugarpants: @MommasSoapbox that is wicked cool!
I have to echo what Karen said. Thank you. I also need to get me a Bob Jogger. I’ve been on the hunt.
I do think it is quite amazing how you have applied yourself so fully. I’m glad you’ve found something that you enjoy – that is always the secret – and I wish everyone managed to do the same!
Kellee´s last blog … Fleeting Spring
I recently started running and it feels amazing to have it as a part of my life. For a few years, I was a little out of shape, and it is definitely improving my life being a little bit more in shape.
That’s great that you find so much joy and fulfillment in exercise. It’s a beautiful thing and so good for you.
Chris ´s last blog … 13 Ways to Pump Up Your Facebook Fan Page and Get Attention
I love this post. I think at one time or another, we have all created one of these lists. Put it on your nightstand when the alarm rings early on a Saturday morning. It helps.
Joe´s last blog … Big D Half Marathon Race Report
WHAT?? You did not start running for me?? The question is…. are you hotter in bed now? I think your wife should put up your next post and give the reader an insiders view of BEFORE and AFTER….now that would be the best running sales pitch/marketing strategy ever!
@unicycle rose, I’ve submitted your suggestion to my wife. We’ll see what she says.
I need to move to California. I know that if I see people running, I will get inspired too. And number two, I need to get myself a damn jogging stroller
Pamela´s last blog … To My Valentine
Pamela: There are plenty of runners EVERYWHERE, not just in California. Go join dailymile and find people in your area. It will inspire you. I promise.