Why Do You Run?

So you’ve been running, say, for months, or, in years. No longer a newbie that you were then. And may be have been running and joining races more often, or, are looking forward to races scheduled this year. I quote from my previous entry.

RUNNING … it’s painful, tedious and most of all, exhausting. It goes beyond the physical benefits.

Every runner has a goal. Your goals might be the same, or, different from mine. Some run with these goals in mind…

To be physically fit.
To run a half or full marathon.
To be one of the elites.
To finish an international marathon.
To improve speed.
To develop endurance.
To lose weight.
To stay healthy.
To relieve stress.
To meditate.
To run with my crush. Ahem!
Et cetera. Et cetera. La la la.
Endless goals!

Why is it necessary to have goals? For two reasons. First, goals give you focus. Second, they give you direction. I have encountered some runners who were a little lost why they were into running in the first place. “What is your goal?” This is the question I always ask from them but sometimes they can’t give me a clear answer. Since it wasn’t clear to them, they became frustrated with running. Instead of it being a fun activity, it became a chore, a boring chore. Since it’s no fun at all, they eventually stopped running.

Focus. Without focus, it’s difficult to achieve something. Focus adds spice to this delectable addiction called running. Even if there are distractions, focus gives one a clear direction.

Direction. To achieve a goal is easy. It becomes difficult when one has no ability on how to sustain it. Okey, so you’ve finish your 5k race, etc. What’s next? Whether we achieve or did not achieve our goals, we need to reexamine them.

Don’t worry about the destination; keep your eye on the ball in the present with what you can do now. Do something every day to move a little closer to your objective. – Principle No. 6, The Basics of Success

Why do I run?

Running…

It’s painful, tedious and most of all, exhausting. It goes beyond the physical benefits. The intense exhilaration and euphoria that comes after finishing a run is what motivates me most. My practice runs gave me a wonderful and rewarding experience.

I have continued to run, recreationally and competitively, and have even won some awards including a cash award for winning first place. It’s not much but I was happy with it.

I believe running is not about who can run the farthest and the fastest. I’ve known some runners who are seriously training. I congratulate them for their dedication and for their passion for it. Some have set a quite impressive personal record (PR). Good for them!

As for me, I will run for the sake of keeping in shape.
Running is still, as what my blog says, a quest for self mastery.

How about you? Why do you run?

27 thoughts on “Why Do You Run?

  1. becausei cani wanti have toi enjoyit gives me joyit relieves my stressit makes me feel goodit makes me realize things about myself.thus the kenkoy runner's continuous journey to self realization πŸ™‚

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  2. i run because i'm in a hurry! huh?@#!%!i run to be healthy. . to keep me fit. . . and to meet new friends. . like YOU. . . . ahehehe

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  3. Self-mastery – pang master ka talaga.Why do I run? To keep off the weight actually. Maybe try to set a PR next year or run a full mary. Who knows. You know…

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  4. Neil, self mastery lang not yet a master. It will take eons before reaching that level. hahaha. See? It's good to know our goals. That way, you maintain your focus and direction. No pressure at all! Once reached, another goal again. So easy! πŸ˜€ Good luck to us!

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  5. Very good! I think you're doing great with your running and your goals for doing so. Keep up the good work. I'm proud of you πŸ™‚

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  6. Argo keep it up! I already saw your \”before\” and \”now\” pic. So far so good. You're doing OK with your weight. If you were not into running we wouldn't have met you and we wouldn't have those nice photos of yours. πŸ˜€

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  7. Ey Bryan, your blog is one of my faves. It makes me smile. Just like Tim's. Thank you for your appreciation of this post. Running became part of my friends' every day lives. Both of us are still on our way. At least, we already have started. That's good news! πŸ˜‰ Can't wait for your \”tricycle\” adventure to be posted in your blog. πŸ˜€

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  8. When asked the same question, Karno (Ultramarathoner Dean Karnazes) said he runs because \”it gets him to where he wants to go.\”

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  9. I run beacause…1) I don't have to pay a mandatory fee (like sa gym) just to get fit.2) I want to lose weight and it has been effective. 9lbs in 2 months. Not bad considering kumakain pa din ako.3) Its so much fun since ang daming addicted to it.4) Joining races is cool. I wanna do an international marathon someday.Congrats Running Diva. I read your Milo story din.

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  10. Hi Mark, I did visit your blog. Keep it up. You're doing well. πŸ˜€ Thank you so much for visiting my site. You'll reach your goals as long as you're determined to do it. However, comes with it is the commitment to do so. Carry on with your adventures Mark

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