It’s Marathon Monday in Boston and I wish only the best for all of the runners! (and for those who couldn’t make it from across the pond – my heart goes out to you!)
Nostalgia always sets in on this day. Ten years ago I ran the Boston Marathon, 6 months prior to that I ran Hartford as a qualifier. What a year!
Not without blood, sweat and tears (literally), mission accomplished: to qualify for Boston, run Boston and re-qualify.
I haven’t run a race that distance since (though I think about it all the time.) and I thought in honor of the marathon I would share my reasons to love running (or walking, if that’s what you’re in to).
Confidence. When I run I feel strong and confident – like I can tackle anything! It takes me back to my marathon training days, when I pushed my limits, set a goal and never looked back. This is confidence I carry with me all day.
Me against the music. I love to listen to music when I run. The pulsating rhythms keep me motivated, and sometimes it takes everything in my power not to bust out and dance in the middle of the street. Music is and always has been a strong motivator and mood booster for me.
Forced to be awake. As a runner it’s important to have eyes wide open. I’ve had close encounters with automobiles more times that I care to count. They aren’t looking for me. I need to look out for them. As a result, I’m more aware of my surroundings and environment, my senses are engaged and I’m fully awake.
Clear thinking. When I run I let my thoughts run wild. The clarity and ideas that sprout are amazing. This blog post for instance is a result of an early morning run. I have learned to clear about 30 minutes after a run to write – to get all of my thoughts out so I don’t forget, and go back and refine them at a later time.
Adrenaline, baby. There is nothing like that “runner’s high”. I know some say they don’t experience it. I definitely do. When I get back from a run my mood is up, my energy is high and the hours that follow are often some of my most productive.
Keeps me fit. It doesn’t take long to get my heart rate up, drip with sweat and breathe a little heavy. Quick and efficient. 30 minutes is all I need.
The Yang for my Yin. Running is hard, fast, muscular or very “yang”, which makes it a perfect compliment for my yoga practice (more mellow, slow or yin). The combination keeps me “in balance”. These days if I can enjoy a 30 minute run and 30 minutes of yoga, that is a good start to the day.
Running feels good. Getting outside, feeling my feet pound the pavement, and the warm sun on my face just plain feels good, not to mention relieves stress. Taking a shower and wrapping myself in a soft pair of jeans or yoga pants when I’m done feels even better. I’m always smiling when I finish a run.
Other running friends…
My friend Tess at the Bold Life wrote about why she loves to run back in January. You can read her thoughts in her post entitled, Born to Run.
Do you run? Want to run? Are you a walker? What do you like about these activities?
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
HI Stacey,
Thanks for the link love. I understand every point you make except running a marathon, expecially Boston. What an honor and I can see why you continue to think about it. I think anyone running that race is running with all the energy of the great runners past and present. Gives me chills thinking about it.
It’s on my life list to just cheer there someday. If one can’t participate I would encourage everyone to experience being a spectator at a marathon or triathlon. It seriously speaks to what our bodies are made for and capable of doing. It’s simply unforgettable. Thanks for sharing this…it’s always fun to be inspired by another runner!
Hey Stacey,
I DO run!! Hey, we are running together this summer! How fast will I have to be to keep up with YOU???
I too find running to be a great time to focus mentally. There is something about being out and away from other distractions that is so good for me. And I love the music too – although recently I’ve started downloading TED talks to listen to – and am loving these!!!
And – what an exciting time to be in Boston – for the big marathon day!!! Woohoo!!!!
Congratulations on finishing the Boston Marathon ten years ago. I’ve been a spectator before and can’t imagine the amount of training that would be required to run that 26+ mile circuit.
Are there people running the course on the sidewalks, in the weeks prior to the Marathon? I would imagine that would be the best way to train for it – you can’t really prepare for Heartbreak Hill without scaling it in practice.
Another good reason to run (outside) is that you get to experience the world around you in a really interesting way – when you’re jogging on a trail, the trees and trail are your only visual stimuli (no computer screens, papers to read) so you end it experiencing it fully. Good post.
Hi Stacey
Ah yes, I have read Tess’ stories of her amazing running and live vicariously through her, and now you
I am not a runner, never have been and probably never will be, but ask me to walk, hike, bike or swim and it is a whole other story.
I applaud people in the marathons, as it truly is a special dedication!
Stacey, I am RIGHT THERE WITH YOU! I loved your musical reasons (I have to stop myself from dancing while I run, lest I hurt myself!), as well as your yin/yang reasons. I was telling a friend the other day that when I try to take a walk, my feet speed up and the next thing I know I’m jogging. I just have to be moving at that faster pace for some reason, which is good, because I sit most of the day for work.
This post makes me want to run 6 miles today — so I will!
Awesome!
Tess – If you ever have the chance to come out and view first hand the Boston Marathon, do it! It is one of a kind. And you’re welcome.
Lance – In my old age I’ve slowed down. ha! I’ll be waiting at the finish line
Evita – I love hiking, biking and swimming, too, but running will always be my “first love”…
Megan – I know you are! I have lots of thoughts about the faster pace thing, which is why I love the yoga for my “yin”. Did you run??
Hi Stacey .. well I hope you’ve entered the London Marathon – it’s on this weekend .. and it looks like the ashy pond will be open .. except the winds are meant to turn in the direction of ….???
Good for you – I’m a ball player and happy to chase a ball .. but not run .. I think my days are gone and I’m now into walking .. spring is here fortunately ..
Enjoy the rest of the week and any running you do!! Go well – Hilary
Stacey…
Old age???? Okay, what does that make me, then??? Yikes!!!
And – hahaha….funny!!!! Maybe I’ll be out working on my sprints tonight…my 3 mile sprints! (…or continuing to develop my super secret motorized massaging running shoes…)
Nate – thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. Yes, people run parts of the course in the weeks leading up to it. Believe it or not heartbreak hill isn’t that big of a hill. It’s actually more about the story behind it…and famed Boston runner Johnny Kelly.
Hilary – Oh my! I hope all goes well for the London Marathon. The thought of training so hard and not being able to get there, would devestate me! I’ll stay close to home
Hope you are well.
Lance – I have no words. Massaging running shoes?
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