Why do You Love to Run?
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Runners are a special breed. I mean, we spend a lot of time … running. Like, for fun. Why do we invest so much time running when there’s a hundred other things we should could be doing? Non-runners probably wonder if we’re just a little crazy. They might think, there’s got to be a better way to get in shape. And, although I’m sure that’s why many people start running, getting in shape is not the best part about running.
In fact, keeping in shape is more of a side effect, because running is so much more than just a form of exercise. Running is a life changing habit that gives you a certain peace of mind like nothing else.
I asked a few of my running friends why they run, and what’s their favorite song to run to (because I just have to know), and here’s what they had to say:
Laura from The Bay Area, CA * R unning since 2012 * Runs 35 miles per wk
Why do you run?
I was grieving the sudden loss of my husband of 25 years, who lost his battle to lymphoma. I saw a flyer for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – Team in Training. I had never even walked a mile but something got me interested in attending the informational meeting. I paid $50 to enroll in the program and signed up to train with them to run a marathon. My 3 daughters laughed when I told them was I going to do. 4 months later I completed my first marathon in San Diego. Took me 6:16 to finish it and swore to the high heavens I would never do it again. To this day I’ve ran 3 marathons and over 30 half marathons. Almost 3,000 miles later, I can say that my angel in heaven sent me the flyer so I could change my life forever!
What’s your favorite song to listen to while you run?
I got trained to run without music, so I’ve never run listening to any songs. I solve the world’s problems in every run, I meditate, and I recharge my soul.
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Sherry from Oregon * Running since 2009 * Runs 25 miles per wk
Why do you run?
I started running early on in school and did track and field from elementary to high school, but I was a jumper/sprinter. I hated long distance running. I didn’t get serious about running until after having kids as a way to help lose the baby weight. My sister actually got me started on running races. I’ve really been inspired by her and by so many people on social media. I love to run because I actually enjoy it now. Not only does it help me stay healthy and fit but it’s challenging. I’ve taken the plunge to run my first full marathon.
What’s your favorite song to listen to while you run?
Brave by Sarah Bareilles
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Lisa from Chicago * Running since 2010 * Runs 25 miles per wk
Why do you run?
I spent my entire adult life believing that I had exercise-induced asthma because I would lose a lung every time I tried to run to the train station to catch a train for work. I never tried to actually run though. I didn’t even own gym shoes for about 15 years!
I started running [at the age of 45] when I encountered this little old lady who would run in the dark through my neighborhood when I was driving to the train station for work. She was dedicated to running in all kinds of weather. She would even carry soup cans as she ran for the extra weight challenge. She inspired me to start running.
I didn’t run in any races until my 3rd year. Nor did I hook up with or even know that a running community existed. But I decided to run in a local race that I used to watch as child. It was the hottest, most humid day ever … But I was so happy to experience a race and the adrenaline of crossing a finish line! I was hooked! I have since run in about 65 races since that first race 2 1/2 years ago, in 4 states and including about 8 half marathons!
What’s your favorite song to listen to while you run?
For a long time, I would start every run with It’s a Beautiful Day by U2. That song gives me chills. I also like to start with Glad You Came by The Wanted. When I ran my PR half marathon, I played Red Hot Chili Peppers the entire race but finished with Springsteen Born To Run, which was being played by the DJ at the finish line. My coldest ever longest ever race (15miles and 5F) I listened to Ed Sheerin X about 4 times to get me through those 3 hours.
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Ross from Petaluma, CA * Running since 2011 * Runs 25 miles per wk
Why do you run?
I had always envied people with the motivation and determination to run. Over my life, I had tried to get into it on a few occasions but it never stuck. I was at a point in my life were I was stressed out over various things and was walking almost all the time. I thought to myself maybe I should just run. I ran home about a block or two from a friends one time and realized I wasn’t in as good of shape as I thought and needed some work. At that point I found my motivation.
I started to run shortly after and worked my way up the ranks feeling completely obsessed. I ran to lose weight and free my mind from things that stressed me out. Now I run for many reasons. I love running because it makes me feel great both mentally and physically. Sometimes I don’t even know why I like it, I just do.
One of my other favorite spots [to run] is the golden gate bridge in San Francisco. I love running across the bridge, down to the bottom and back up because it’s scenic, iconic and makes me feel very fortunate to have grown up where I did. It’s pretty massive and amazing to run across.
What’s your favorite song to listen to while you run?
I don’t listen to music when I run cause I like to hear whats going on and enjoy the thoughts in my head and sounds around me. Sometimes I think about whats going on in my life or what is going on at that moment, but often I think about my cadence, pace, gait and breathing depending on what kind of run I’m on. Other runners or people that inspire me are always helpful to keep me going. I often think about what I’m going to eat when I get home, and when I’m really in the zone, I think about nothing at all.
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GuruDan from Ontario * Running since 1980 * Runs 50-75 miles per wk
Why do you run?
At age 12 I began my martial arts training & yoga training. The Shotokan style of karate was very intensive physical training that req’d barefoot speed and endurance running. I have been running this way ever since. I have made karate/yoga a lifelong practice.
Running is part of who I am. In the karate dojo the higher belts also teach the art…so running became part of the teaching. In 2007 I experienced a life-changing event…I died twice during the event…no resuscitation…just died and lived both times. Now running is the only sport in which I’m allowed to indulge…so I run…all the time…for long distance…for long periods. I’ve also chosen a cause to donate my running: Gender Equality.
What’s your favorite song to listen to while you run?
I don’t run to any song in particular, but to playlists which are approx. 6 hours long, and consists of different genres of music…my fave female singer, currently, is Ellie Goulding…my fave band could be Frightened Rabbit or Bon Iver.
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I think all of these runners are pretty amazing. And I don’t know how Laura and Ross can run without music. My iPod died on me recently at mile two on a five mile run and I barely made it back without stopping. Longest. Three. Miles. Ever.
As for me, I’ve been running since 2000. I started running because we moved to Austin and it seemed like everyone and their goldfish were runners. I was actually inspired to run by my elderly neighbor, who was sixty eight at the time and ran everyday. I try to run at least 25 miles per week. I love running because it gives me self confidence and helps keep my stress levels in check.
My favorite song to run to right now is If Not for You by Shakey Graves.
What about you? Why do you run? Leave a comment, I’d love to hear from you!
All the runners featured today participate in the Earthathon Relay, a virtual running group open to runners of all levels. You can find out more and sign up at @earthathon.
Laura is a team captain for #werun2gether. Connect with Laura on Twitter at @albidress .
Sherry is a team captain for #RunderfulRunners. She’s also the cool runner in the featured photo. Connect with Sherry at Stay Healthy N Fit 4 You or @healthynfit4you on Twitter.
Lisa is a member of the #teamhumanrace. Connect with Lisa at lisa-barnhart.tumblr.com or @lisaeber on Twitter.
Ross is a member of #RunderfulRunners. Conncet with Ross at @ross_707 on Twitter.
GuruDan is a team captain for #HeForSheRunners you can connect with him at @Gurudan.
