GTKY: Why do you run?

stinkerbell6879 · May 2012

Just out of curiosity....What got you started in running? Health reasons? Lose weight? Just because?

I started to run/walk after I finished school late last year as a way to have something positive to focus on since I was done with school and I am the type that likes to stay busy. It also has helped me get through dealing with everyday stress

Cinco · May 2012

All of the above, but mostly because I love it! Most of the time I find running to be fun. On the days it is not so fun, I think of the other reasons I run, like staying fit-physically and mentally.

MrsStubbs · May 2012

I have been running for about 10years. I an not a natural runner so I still have a lot of times that I wonder why I still do it? I do really enjoy it or I wouldn't keep doing it.

I know this is going to sound silly but when I first started running I would get these small blisters on my toe, they never hurt, so I would just keep running to see how big they would get.

shorty20 · May 2012

I started running about 5 years ago because I was bored with my exercise routine. I had always wanted to be a runner, but just figured that I never would be because it was so hard. My boss is a 40+ time marathoner, and he encouraged me to try it, so I did.

I did the C25K program and haven't looked back. I still don't love every run, but the great ones make you forget all the bad ones in between. I've never, ever regretted going for a run. I love that feeling when you're done a hard run, have gotten a shower and are all stretched. I kind of feel "cleansed" if that makes sense.

TexasSmith · May 2012

#1: To be healthy.

#2: To lose the lingering baby belly and get in shape. I don't necessarily want to lose weight (rather, I'd actually like to gain some weight/muscle mass). My size is fine, but the texture is all off

#3: Running is rare quiet, alone-time for me (or with a kid in the jogging stroller...they are both silent and mesmerized by their surroundings when I take them out on runs).

#4: Sense of accomplishment after a good run or finishing a race.

mamie&cc · May 2012

I struggle with ADD and anxiety, so I was looking for something that helped me clear my head and focus. I was practicing Tai Chi, but I wasn't loving it.

I decided to give running a try 2 months ago to see if would help with above. It helps me a lot! It's the only time I completely think about nothing but running!

Additionally, I wanted to challenge to myself to finish a 5k running (I've walked many) - something I thought was achievable and I could feel good about.

aeroluv327 · May 2012

I've run off and on since high school. I was on the swim team in hs and then was a gym bunny in college and after, I would just occasionally run as part of conditioning but it was never my "main" sport.

I was taking a boot camp class in 2008 (?) and I could keep up with everything else just fine but when our instructor had us run, I really struggled! So I decided it was something I needed to work on and discovered I actually really liked it! I signed up for a 5K in 2009 with friends, then another and another. I love racing and having a goal to work towards.

jadeorchid21 · May 2012

To be honest with you. . . I DON'T KNOW!!

I did my first run last year (an 8k) out of peer pressure and I signed up again this year for that same 8k because my husband wanted to do it. Now, I have no idea why I do it. I just do.

May be my subconscious is not linked with my conscious.

stinkerbell6879 · May 2012

These are great!

I also am using the running to help deal with TTC issues that I have, and it has helped me shift my focus of what I CANNOT do to what I CAN do. If that makes any sense?lol.

gt7301b · May 2012

I enjoy working out and being active but running isn't really my favorite activity. The thing I do enjoy about running is pushing myself to new levels and achieving new PRs. As I get faster I have started to actually win a few age group awards, which I love!

Susie Derkins · May 2012

If we're talking running only, I run because it's a third of a triathlon. I also like that as forms of exercise go, it's easy to do anywhere, doesn't require a lot of equipment, and adapts more easily to crappy weather than, e.g., cycling. It also seems to result in weight loss for me better than any other form of exercise. When I get into a groove, I can enjoy it, but it's not my favorite.

If we're talking about competitive exercise in general, which would include triathlon and open water swimming, I love to compete. I love to improve. I love to be working for something. I love to have a plan for my week and to execute. I love having a reason why I need to leave the office at X:00.

taratru · May 2012

Now, I run because 1) it's the only time I get alone, ever; 2) it allows me to splurge a little in the eating and booze departments and not feel bad; and 3) I love races.

mrs.jacinthe · May 2012

I run because it helps me stay in shape for swim season and honestly, that's about it. To be blunt, it's definitely not the sport for me and I don't particularly like any part of it - except being done Wink . I can't get out of my own head at all. I thought I would like it better after a race but nope. I did a trail 5k last year and hated every minute of it.

HOWEVER, I still run. I find that my endurance and speed in the water is better when I've been running regularly. My swimming is important enough to me that I'll do what I have to in order to do well at races.

WinesNotWhines · May 2012

I started running years ago because I wanted to get in better shape and lose weight. It's a great calorie burner. I stuck with it because I enjoyed it. I get "runner's high" and it keeps me in good shape. I also feel accomplished when I meet new goals, like running a new distance or at a faster pace.

CallingAllAngels · May 2012

My dad was a runner, and I grew up going to races with him. I used to run races all the time and not even think about it. However, once I finished graduate school, I got old and fat and very inactive. Since then, I have always wanted to get back into running, but I have never put in the work to make it happen - until recently.

I started C25K in February after I lost about 20 lbs on WW. I was just feeling blah about my life. I work full time and have two kids. My H works crazy hours, so I'm almost solely responsible for the kids during the week. I tend to be a high strung person, and I found myself getting more and more anxious and short with the kids and just unhappy.

So I decided to finally try. Not to just talk about it and think about it, but actually do it. I have loved almost every minute of it. I finished C25K a few weeks ago, and I'm starting 10K training next week. I mean, sometimes - maybe most of the time - I hate life while I'm on my runs. But I love the feeling of pushing myself and actually accomplishing something just for me. Like a PP said, a good run (I had one this morning) is such a good feeling it makes up for all the bad ones.

I am not a morning person, but I get up and run as the sun is coming up and listen the birds and it's just a fantastic way to start my day. I won't lie, it's hard to tear myself out of bed, but I have never regretted running once I've gotten started.

GnomeSweetGnome · May 2012

DH and I first got started running when a group from our church was doing a 5K together. We trained for about a month, I struggled through the race, and we ran occasionally after that (when I say we "ran", I really mean we walked a lot and threw some running in there whenever we caught our breath). DH got hooked during this time and worked his way up to doing 10 miles or so before his ITBS really caused him to take a step back.

Then in January 2010, we joined Team in Training. We have been training pretty consistently for some half or full marathon since then (either one or both of us at the same time, both with TNT and on our own). We run to raise money, to stay fit, and because we enjoy using running as a way to spend time together.

Wan-naBe · May 2012

a friend of mine went into a coma just after giving birth to her first son last summer. she's always been really active and her crossfit team decided to run a local labor day race as a fundraiser for her family, and i decided to join them.

i've really never been much of a runner, but i was inspired to do something in her honor. when that race was over, i found myself addicted to the feeling of crossing a finish line and joined the autism speaks team for the tinkerbell half.

now i've done a 5K, an 8K, two half marathons, and i'm signed up for several more races this year. i'm trying to get one in each month. i still don't looooooove running, so i do a nice run/walk combo that works for me.

abvernon · May 2012

I dabbled in it while in college but nothing serious and then four years ago my friends got me involved with running. They encouraged me to do a HM two years ago and I did! While I may not do a HM any time soon, I still enjoy running. In fact, my goal this year is 12 in 12. I want to do 12 races this year, which is one a month. So far I have done 5!

L_Woods · May 2012

I run because it's the only thing that gets my body looking the way I like. I hate it though, so I also do a bunch of other non-running stuff as a workout that I enjoy.

OSULori · May 2012

I started running when I started working out in general, with the goal of losing weight. Once I was closer to my goal weight, I kept doing it because running is cheaper than therapy

AGsWife · May 2012

I started to run because I wanted to be more athletic. I was bored with my workouts at the gym (weights, spin, elliptical. Repeat.) and wanted to add something new into my routine. I also wanted something I could do when we travel and I like that I can run anytime, anywhere. The biggest reason, however, is that it's the only exercise I've found that really helps trim down my muffin top. How could I not love an exercise that does that?

JoBell123 · May 2012

DH runs. When we started dating just over 2 years ago I was a bit in awe that he's run 2 marathons. I could barely run 10 feet without getting out of breath. I had danced most of my life, up through college, but for the 6 years that followed I wasn't very active. I didn't gain much weight but had no stamina for any type of cardio. So, I found a good beginner running program and off I went.

I now run to keep me in healthier shape and to help relieve stress. And races give me something to train for an a goal to achieve.

MrsE120807 · May 2012

Three reasons:

1) I run to relieve stress. Nothing clears my mind like hitting the pavement for a good run.

2) It helps me stay in shape and stay healthy.

3) I love the competition! I haven't played team sports since college and I love that running lets me compete against myself for PRs (and others like my little sister Stick out tongue ).

MarchMom06 · May 2012

WinesNotWhines:
I started running years ago because I wanted to get in better shape and lose weight. It's a great calorie burner. I stuck with it because I enjoyed it. I get "runner's high" and it keeps me in good shape. I also feel accomplished when I meet new goals, like running a new distance or at a faster pace.

Pretty much this, also I've only been running for a year. It allows me to have the occasional treat, it keeps me in great shape, it helps me manage my stress, & it's my alone time.

Breezy8407 · May 2012

I started runnin in 7th grade on the CC team. I was also in track. It's just something I've always done.

In the past two years though I started racing again, and am actually following training plans and such. I enjoy it and training lets me eat more and enjoy my beers

Sadlebred · May 2012

I hate running, so I don't run.

Mrs.Handy · May 2012

I've dabbled here and there in the past, but always stopped before I got really into it. I used to run on the treadmill, but never went beyond that.

I decided last September that I was going to really commit to it and decided to go beyond the C25K. I needed a hobby to distract myself for the year before we started TTC #2. I had always dreamed of one day running a marathon. So I started with a 10K in December, then a HM in March. Now I can say I've been bit by the "bug" and I love the runner's high I get after my runs. It really is like a drug.

I'm gearing up for starting marathon training in June and running the Marine Corps Marathon in October.

Mush-Tastic · May 2012

I needed to find a way to challenge myself in life. I found the one thing I'd been avoiding the most in my 30+ years on this planet; exercise, and I pushed myself towards a goal of a 5K. I'd had several friends who had been running races and there was no reason I couldn't at least try. Along the way, the benefits were huge and I am sorry I wasted so much time in life not having done it before.

wellfleet04 · May 2012

Running is not my favorite, but it seems the easiest for me to do consistently with two little kids and a husband who works long, unpredictable hours. I can sneak out for a run early in the morning before anyone is up, take a kid in the jogger (not anymore since they are 3 and 5), run out the door if DH comes home early after dinner, and not be tied to a schedule.

I run because I know I need to do some cardio to be healthy. I don't love it, don't hate it. I LOVE hot yoga, and that IS on a schedule, so the other thing(s) I do fitness wise need to be able to squeeze in wherever. Running fits the bill. It only takes me 40 minutes to run 5 miles. To drive to the gym, change, work out, change back, etc takes time I just don't have. Running is also free, and with the money I spend on yoga classes I really can't afford to also join a gym.

mrsbobcat · May 2012

I played competitive sports all throughout my childhood and running was a necessary component of all of them. In 8th grade I gave up softball to focus on soccer and with that change I joined the track team and excelled in the long distances. Running track just made sense because I needed to be able to run in order to play soccer.

After playing soccer in college I was burnout on the whole athletics thing. Multiple practices a day over the course of 3.5 years (woohoo for freedom spring semester of senior year!) left me worn out and I needed a reset. I ended up barely working out in grad school, only attending a few random spin classes here and there.

Oddly enough, I lost 15lbs and became what most would call, "skinny fat." After getting married and realizing I needed to work out to be healthy I started running again. It wasn't about losing weight, but rather just exercising without having to go to the gym. It's an overall health thing for me: mental and physical.

mdd · May 2012

1. stress relief

2. helps me keep my weight in check

3. i don't have to go to a gym to do it

GTKY: Why do you run?

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