Running to run question

mrsnorthernbell

Just a question for those who run.  I run about 3 to 4 days a week.  Usually for 3 miles or so.  I really just run because it clears my head and is the only cardio exercise I have done that actually keeps me thin.  

I read a lot of your running blogs and most of you seem to run to train for races and for personal time records.  

Does anyone just run to purely stay fit.  I do a few 5k's a year and enjoy them but I never go into them trying to break a record.  Maybe if I was a more dedicated runner I would feel more competetive about it.  I am really just happy to finish and feel healthy.   

KatiesCats

I run just to run, and started out a lot like you.  I started running several years ago because I have a very high energy dog.  It was great to get him some exercise, as well as spend some time bonding with him.

We put in quite a few miles together these days, and I love it.  I hate racing, though...it makes me all nervous and I can't perform and it's just not fun.  I don't run for time or to beat people.  I just run for me.

Cinco

I've been running as long as I can remember, and most of the time has just been for fitness and fun. I ran races every once in a while, but didn't really train until after having my son. There is no need to make it a competitive thing. Most of my friends that run don't care at all about their times. Sometimes I wish I could say the same!

Dragonfly08

mrsnorthernbell:

Does anyone just run to purely stay fit.  

Me.  I used to run 3-4 times/week, now it's down to 3-4 times/month since I've come to prefer other types of cardio.  The last race I ran was a high school dual meet over 2 decades ago.  I'm perfectly happy with that and have no desire to change it or compete at any level.

IndyGirl02

I think it's simply a matter of preference, and one is not better than the other. I run because it helps with stress and it allows me to eat (and drink ) the way I want to. But I also enjoy racing, for the goal setting aspect. Having races on the calendar motivates me to keep running and working towards my next goal. On the flipside, my sister runs 3-4 days a week, between 3-6 miles at a time, and has no desire to run a race ever. She does it simply for the fitness and the stress relief.

blackbeltbride

While I do participate in a handful of races throughout the year - I would say that I'm more of a "run just to run" type of person.  I like to set goals and push myself to get better and more efficient; however I know I'm not winning any of the races I participate in! 

Just_Lisa

I just started doing races but for the last 3 year I would run for fun. I started the races because I wanted to set personal goals for myself and being a SAHM is gives me something to do all for myself.

nomadica

Yes! I was thinking about posting this myself, in fact. The time and effort and nerves involved in racing make it not worth it for me. But I still like to run and I like to push myself. I'm "training" now to run faster, not to win any races, just to be able to do it. Luckily I don't need a race to motivate me. Part of me would like to do races, but the reality is it just isn't fun for me.

doglove

I run to run as well. Sometimes I do races if they look fun, I went through about a 6 month period where I raced competitively against myself, but I don't have much interest in that anymore. I usually run 4-5 days a week 3-6 miles at a time just to stay in shape, mental health and all the benefits of exercise.

hokies94

IndyGirl02:

I run because it helps with stress and it allows me to eat (and drink ) the way I want to. 

This pretty much sums up why I run.  I truly do enjoy it but I mainly do it b/c it's the easiest way to keep in shape and eat and drink like I want to.  Plus I get some kid free "me time" which is always a plus.  

AugustBrideCO

I don't really like to race. I'm a slow runner and hate crowds. I much prefer just going out in my neighborhood with my dog!  Right now I'm running about like you... 3-4 days a week, 3-4 miles each run.  It seems like lately whenever I try to increase mileage something happens to stop my progress (right now I have terrible allergies and can hardly breathe - other times I've hurt my foot etc).  A year ago I was running 4-5 miles 3 times a week and a longer, 6-8 mile run on weekends, and that's what I'd like to get back to. I have no plans to race more.

I also like having the freedom to do other activities without feeling like I "have" to run to train for a race. I like riding my bike with my husband and recently I've started playing tennis with a friend, which is a lot of fun!

stinkerbell6879

blackbeltbride:

While I do participate in a handful of races throughout the year - I would say that I'm more of a "run just to run" type of person.  I like to set goals and push myself to get better and more efficient; however I know I'm not winning any of the races I participate in! 

This. I do races but I do "fun" type races and just go out there for fun.