I think it has to do with addiction, tolerance, and withdrawal. I have to run further and further distances to get the same high from running. The pleasure I got from five miles, so wonderful the first time, soon faded and I needed seven. then 10. 15. and so on. But I can stop at any time!
*twitch* :)
Seriously though, running through long distances tears down some of my psychological defenses and helps me see myself more fully- do I keep myself moving when I hit the wall, or do I quit? Do I have the smarts to realize when pain is a warning sign that shouldn't be ignored? And how do I strike a balance between the two when my blood sugar is plummeting and my legs feel like they're made out of lead?
That's sort of why I like running. Nothing is solved, and usually I end up right where I started. But I can see myself a little bit more clearly at the end of the day. Oh, and I've burned off a bunch of stress and maybe a bunch of french fries, too. And I've made a bunch of good friends who are also marathoners. And I like the medals, and to see myself improve. And it's fun to have a tangible reason to train.
Okay, wow, people really shouldn't let me near a keyboard when I've only gotten three hours of sleep. I ramble, and ramble, and ramble...
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Why I run
Someone asked on the LJ runner's community why people run marathons- I gave the answer why *I* run marathons. I hope you enjoy...
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4 comments:
It's so true though! If running didn't change you, it wouldn't be all that fun. Getting faster, going farther, and becoming more in tune with your body is so amazingly fun. It's fascinating to see just how much you can actually do. =)
I'm sorry I didn't call you on Sunday. What with having to coordinate schedules between 6 of us, I didn't have much say in what we did. I'm glad you did so well though! I looked up Running Fit and I'm thinking about signing up for the 101 class here in AA. I know I've been running for a year now, but I'm sure there is more I could know. Plus my pace is really slow and I'm betting it would be easier to start out with people who may not have run as much. Thoughts? I'd love to hear them! =)
Kaitlin--on Thursdays at 6:30 pm there is a ladies' group run that starts from Running Fit, and on Tuesdays at the same time, and Saturday mornings at 9:00 am, our 501 group will continue having unofficial (free) group runs until January 21st when our winter session starts. I don't see any reason why you couldn't join us if you wish!
Tina- (and Fritz)-
do you guys think i could handle that sort of group run? i'd really like to go, but i'm not kidding when i say my normal pace is 14:00. i'm just worried i would hold people back or annoy them, or get lost. (mostly worried about getting lost, haha. i really wouldn't care if i got ditched as long as i could find my way back.)
And I like the medals
My half marathon hardware is hanging in my cubicle at work. Shiny!
I'm not the only one...some guy in another department has his marathon medal hanging in his cube.
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