Happy National Running Day!

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Like so many of us out there, I took a few minutes this morning to think of running. Why do I run? Why do I enjoy it?

I run so I can buy more shoes!

You see, for me those are tricky questions. Why do I run? Some days, I literally have no idea! It frequently hurts. It leaves me sore and laying on a foam roller at night. It often makes me suck on my inhaler like it is going out of style. It makes me ice body parts, which I really hate to do. It also makes me eat more food that humanly possible (not that I’m complaining about that!)

And then, as if that joy wasn’t quite enough, I register for running races all the time. Yes, I pay a lot of money to get up at 3-4am, battle traffic, cope with the wretchedness of porta potties, and stand shivering in a herd of people until someone blows a whistle and tells me to run.

Sounds like a cattle call, doesn’t it?!

In light of all that, why do I enjoy running?

Because I can. I love to run because it hurts and puts me in a whole separate world of pain. However, with that ridiculous suffering comes one of the most awesome athletic highs that can be found anywhere. The feeling I get when I set a new PR or simply cross a finish line — any finish line will do! — is not like anything else. Plus, running gives me time to clear my head and work out any problem in life.

Besides, it doesn’t hurt that I get to enjoy views like this on my runs!

View from a nearby trail
Sunset at the track last week
********************
If you’re a runner, why do you run?

If you’re not, what do you do that gives you this same high?
As y’all know, I do a lot of other stuff that rivals my runner’s high. I think the closest comparison is the feeling I get when I summit a mountain. In fact, I daresay that’s a toss up 🙂
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Heather Balogh Rochfort is a freelance writer and author with a focus on outdoor adventure, travel, and fitness. Colorado born and bred, she loves backpacking, trail running, backcountry skiing, and packrafting, especially with her husband, one-year-old daughter, and lovable rescue mutt Tally.

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Happy National Running Day!

Like so many of us out there, I took a few minutes this morning to think of running. Why do I run? Why do I enjoy it?

I run so I can buy more shoes!

You see, for me those are tricky questions. Why do I run? Some days, I literally have no idea! It frequently hurts. It leaves me sore and laying on a foam roller at night. It often makes me suck on my inhaler like it is going out of style. It makes me ice body parts, which I really hate to do. It also makes me eat more food that humanly possible (not that I’m complaining about that!)

And then, as if that joy wasn’t quite enough, I register for running races all the time. Yes, I pay a lot of money to get up at 3-4am, battle traffic, cope with the wretchedness of porta potties, and stand shivering in a herd of people until someone blows a whistle and tells me to run.

Sounds like a cattle call, doesn’t it?!

In light of all that, why do I enjoy running?

Because I can. I love to run because it hurts and puts me in a whole separate world of pain. However, with that ridiculous suffering comes one of the most awesome athletic highs that can be found anywhere. The feeling I get when I set a new PR or simply cross a finish line — any finish line will do! — is not like anything else. Plus, running gives me time to clear my head and work out any problem in life.

Besides, it doesn’t hurt that I get to enjoy views like this on my runs!

View from a nearby trail
Sunset at the track last week
********************
If you’re a runner, why do you run?

If you’re not, what do you do that gives you this same high?
As y’all know, I do a lot of other stuff that rivals my runner’s high. I think the closest comparison is the feeling I get when I summit a mountain. In fact, I daresay that’s a toss up 🙂

Heather Balogh Rochfort is a freelance writer and author with a focus on outdoor adventure, travel, and fitness. Colorado born and bred, she loves backpacking, trail running, backcountry skiing, and packrafting, especially with her husband, one-year-old daughter, and lovable rescue mutt Tally.

13 Comments

  • Reply Heidi @BananaBuzzbomb at

    I agree with you. I have so many reasons why I run, but mostly I just run because I can.

  • Reply SoRewarding at

    Couldn’t agree more. Running provides something irreplaceable, love the feeling of empowerment it provides!

  • Reply Nathan at

    I found I was mostly running to stay in shape or for some commitment I signed up for (many of them good causes). I decided I’d rather run on my own terms which seems to be in solitude and not for any measurement (distance or mph). I’d rather take a long walk with my wife and dogs (running was a pain together because we all have different paces) than try to fit in a run and time for them. I skip the gym membership and committed running in favor of an all around active lifestyle…biking to work, walking more often, backpacking frequently, etc. I’d say I experience more peace (not a high), but if I need a high mountain biking, snowboarding, or having a beer with friends is my path these days.

  • Reply Christy MyDirtRoadAnthem at

    I run for so many reasons including to be a better mommy, refresh the soul and love of competing in races. Love all your reasons. Happy national running day!

  • Reply Julia at

    wow! that sunset is incredible! i run because it seriously just makes me feel so full of life. time stops and i just appreciate the present moment. i love that feeling:)

  • Reply Jess at

    That is the #1 reason why I run too – because I’m ABLE to. It’s a privilege and an honor…and not something to ever take for granted. Some people on this earth simply cannot run, due to injury, due to other physical inabilities, due to “life” getting in the way. The sheer ability to run is an amazing blessing. I truly believe that.

  • Reply Ericka @ The Sweet Life at

    I always say I run for LIFE! I think of that Melissa Ethridge song: “I run for life, I run to feel, I run for hope and all that is real.” That’s how it feels for me…clear headed, on track, in control, ambitious, inspired, alive.

  • Reply Laura @ Mommy run fast at

    I run for stress relief, an endorphin high, for a boost of energy, to model health to my daughter, and to push myself to see what I can achieve. Great post!

  • Reply Vinny at

    Eeeehhh yooooo, I love to run to keep right up with ladies running past me on trails around Boulder. It’s the best view around! Eeehhhhh.

  • Reply AmyC @ running escapades at

    I love the views! I run because it makes me smile (and about a hundred other reasons)!

  • Reply misszippy at

    Your views are so fantastic! I hate this question, actually, because like you said, it’s a tough one to answer. All I can say is I can’t imagine NOT running and any time I’ve been injured, it has been hell! I just love everything about it!

  • Reply Ali Mc at

    I like the because I CAN! It IS a good reason. Sometimes I feel like that too. I think, well it may hurt but I’ll regret not going well I can. What if I can’t later in life, better enjoy it now 🙂

  • Reply Clarinda @ Enjoying the Course at

    So I can buy more shoes. LMAO!!

    Because I CAN is such a great reason. 🙂 And those views are spectacular.

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