I was once asked why I run, and this person added, "especially since nothing is chasing you."
When runners are asked why they run, the answers are about as varied as the runners. But I've chalked it up to two main categories. Either (a) they are running from something, or (b) they are running to something.
Let me explain. Some people run to lose weight, so in essence, they are running from a bigger version of themselves, or at least running from health problems due to being overweight. Others run because they have a goal in mind. Whether it be making it through a marathon, or maybe just being able to run a mile without completely losing his/her breath. So, these people are essentially running "to" something. Be it that proverbial finish line.
I think I started running away from something. So, my friend who asked me why I run, I tell you, I was running from something. You see, when I started running, I kind of felt like my life was hurdling out of control. My wife had been sick for some time. I was basically left to taking care of our five children when I wasn't working a fulltime job of 40+ hours a week. Due to this, my job was suffering. I felt like I was losing at everything. I needed something I could control and to be able to get away from everything. So, I think that's why I started.And then, when I started to be able to really put miles in, I had a thought to run "to" something. The idea of running a marathon came into fruition and I began putting in even more miles. And then something happened. It really began when I finished the Dam to Dam in May. I felt so good about how I finished that I almost forgot that this wasn't my goal. I decided to take a week off after Dam to Dam. A week turned in to two. Two turned to three, and before I knew it, I had lost complete focus on where I wanted to be. Life got busy, and it almost became business as usual.
Last night, I had a friend ask me how my training was going. I thought about lying to him and keep it at a simple "great". But I decided to fully disclose. And this is what I love about runners. It's not a competition as much as it is a comradary. He simply responded, "well, you've still got a good base line, so just pick it back up. GO RUN!"
So I did. I clocked in my 3 miles. And then tonight I clocked in 4. No more excuses. I'm back. This is a redemption story of how it's never too late. I don't know the end yet so we will see how this unfolds. What I do know is, I have friends who love and care for me and it is throught this sport that I have really felt the depths of our companionship. And to you all I say, thank you for being freaking great! You all really are the best!And a final thought to anyone reading this who has thought about running but doesn't know how to start. To you I say, quit just hurling through space and spinning at high velocity! To echo my friend from last night...GO RUN!!!
