Happy Valentine’s day!
Did you see the challenge at #Runchat to talk about why you love running? Fits pretty well with the Valentine’s theme, I think. There’s still time to tweet, blog or pin what you love about running, if you’d like to join.
Here are ten (of my many) reasons:
- The power to turn a grumpy perspective into an upbeat one.
- The satisfaction from a hard run.
- The excitement of race goals- (Running Dreams matter!)
- The confidence from chasing and (sometimes) meeting those goals.
- The life lessons learned from not meeting those goals.
- The positive outlet for my competitive nature.
- The meditative rhythm of my breathing and my steps.
- The chance to zone out and think or pray.
- The endorphin rush from pushing my body in challenging ways.
- The community of runners, bloggers, tweeps and running groups.
I put out a call on the Mommy Run Fast Facebook page and got some great responses…
I also loved these two from my friends Jessica and Michelle:
I love running because it gives me something that nothing else ever has. I don’t know if it’s the endorphins, or the fact that it’s a metaphor for life. The way it’s distracted me from my trials, and given me the opportunity to help others through their own. The medals at the end of training for a race, and the extra meals I get to eat during training. It gives me clarity and something to look forward to. It’s “my thing”. When I do the same loads of laundry and clean up the same messes every day I can go hammer out a great run and still feel accomplished! I love that people know me as a runner. And I LOVE the running community.
It gives me an identity other than “mommy,” and it’s also my escape and my alone time. Couldn’t live without it.
Your turn! Why do you love running?
Your 10 reasons sum it up perfectly for me, especially #5!
abbi recently posted..Guest Posts and Shout Outs
Thanks, Abbi. Yep, number 5 is a good one!
Laura recently posted..10 Things I Love About Running
Im not a runner BUT number one is why I LOVE the IRON.
Miz recently posted..Sweet Relish 2 (AKA what Miz wants for Valentines Day).
I run to disconnect and truly have “me time”. I try to do it at home, but it never lasts long lol Running helps with it
Ali recently posted..Happy Valentine’s Day!
I love your list–number one made me laugh. Yep, I know that one!
The compilation was fun, too–love how you put it together.
misszippy recently posted..Welcome to your 40s
Oh running how I love thee…let me count the ways!! Great list! I would say all of the above…plus the way it makes me feel like I CAN do ANYTHING!!!
Yes, the I can do anything feeling is so powerful!
Laura recently posted..10 Things I Love About Running
Great post! I love reflecting on why I like to run because it reinforces why I do it. I recently did a post about why I run, similar to this. Obviously, I run because I love it. But sometimes it’s still a love/hate thing. I definitely agree with #7. Sometimes just feeling the rhythm is the best.
Melissa @ Freeing Imperfections recently posted..Why I Run
Great post, Melissa! I love the graphic you put together, too!
Laura recently posted..10 Things I Love About Running
Love this post! I have to agree with all 10 of your reasons, especially #10. Joining a running group last year was the best thing I ever did. Ive made friendships with people I would have never had without running! The community is awesome!
Allie recently posted..Prabal Gurung for Target {OOTD}
I was so late to join a running group, too… really just got connected with one this past year, and I agree, best decision ever.
Laura recently posted..10 Things I Love About Running
You got some great responses on your FB page. I was going to comment, but then I got busy and forgot. I always like to know why other people love running too. There are so many reasons why I love running. I think the number one reason I like is because it allows me to push myself, set goals and dream big. If I am having a rough day, running will usually turn it around for me.
Tasha @ Healthy Diva recently posted..My Valentine
Yes! I think that’s my main reason, too. I love the outlet for a place to dream big and push myself. And definitely agree that running turns a bad day around!
Laura recently posted..10 Things I Love About Running
Awesome post- there are so many reasons I have grown to love running. I love seeing all the different sights while running! You have a chance to just look around and take in the scenery- actually ran with a few deer the other day.
Love! So many wonderful reasons to love it. And what I’m seeing is that it’s nothing at all to do with weight loss or exercise or anything like that. I think that some people who don’t run think that’s what it’s really about. But man, that’s like the very last last last thing on my list!
Heather (Where’s the Beach) recently posted..HIIT Bike & Full Body Workout
I love how “zen” running is for me. I get some of my best thinking/reflecting done while I’m running . . . it’s more about clarity and me-time than anything else. <3
Michelle @ Eat Move Balance recently posted..Mexican Quinoa-Stuffed Poblano Peppers
It shows me how truly capable I am!
Kat recently posted..Meet me at the Afterparty
I love running because of the escape! It truly allows me to think of nothing, which is wonderful. Happy V-day xo
Ashley @ Life and Fitness recently posted..Valentine’s Day
I love running because it is a way to reduce stress and to escape for a while.
Yes, stress reducer… how did I not have that in the top 10?! Thanks for sharing, Jessica!
Laura recently posted..10 Things I Love About Running
I agree with every single one. It’s not about my jeans size. It’s all about feeling and accomplishment. Great list!
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama recently posted..Keeping it Klean with Klean Athlete
I LOVED YOUR BLOG POST SO MUCH I MENTIONED YOU IN THE LARGEST RUNNING BLOG DIRECTORY ON THE WEB!
http://www.runningbloggers.com/2013/02/top-ten-valentines-day-blog-posts.html
Caroline Thomas recently posted..TOP TEN VALENTINES DAY BLOG POSTS
I love running b/c I love to challenge myself!
Heather recently posted..Fitness Magazine Photos: Ready. Set. Run!
Fantastic post and many great reasons to love running! I love it for clarity, catharsis, alone time, and because I’m a goal-setter to name just a few reasons.
Raquelita recently posted..A Love List
An amazing blog indeed! I love running and to make fitness perfect running is one of the important aspects I’ve added on my fitness schedule. It’s good to learn about those ten reasons you mentioned. Thanks a lot for an inspiring come up.
Jason Arthur recently posted..Tips for the Golfing Tourist
Great list! I had a rough one yesterday so these are timely reminders of why I’ll keep getting back out there
Oh so many great things about something that can be so hard sometimes. I think that’s the beauty of it!
Marcia recently posted..Running Love and Virtual Races
How could I forget # 10? Definitely one of the best things about it : )
Michelle recently posted..Desperation
#2, #3 and #5 hit it right on the nose for me! Love the list!
Rachel B @ Busy Mama Fitness recently posted..Awesome Stretch for Runners
Great post!! Love seeing how the same thing means so much to so many different people in so many different ways. Your list is spot on!!
Awesome post! My favourite is one of yours – on a grumpy day you can turn that frown upside down
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I love running because it gives me space to breathe and think. I rarely find that when I’m not exercising.
Kate recently posted..I’m walking in the woods today
These lists are so much fun, I can relate to all of them. I love how creative your image is with everyones quotes, you always add something so special to everything you do… love that about you Laura! Happy Valentines day!
Lisa @ RunWiki recently posted..Happy Valentines Day
What a great list Laura
It is important to remember why we love running so much on the tough days.
Jen recently posted..Happy Valentine’s Day
[...] check out Laura at Mommy Run Fast! She wrote an awesome post about 10 Things I Love About Running I couldn’t have said it better [...]
… for where it has taken me. Physically and mentally.
I love your list, especially 3, 4 and 5. It is such a metaphor for life, making goals, reaching for them and sometimes making it and sometimes not.
Travel Spot recently posted..Cream or Sugar?
I love your list Laura. Numbers 4-7 really resonate with me. It is a huge metaphor for life and I’ve learned so much about myself through running. It’s so great to stop and reflect on the things that we’re passionate about – helps to appreciate them all the more.
Christine @ Love, Life, Surf recently posted..Getting the kids styled for spring
[...] have found a unicorn that shits gold, but she’s not impressed. Check out this runner strip. Laura at Mommy Run Fast has 10 things she loves about running. I love anyone who can discuss the reasons they love running. This is a great check-in if [...]
absolutely love this post. This is why I strive to push my running beyond my limits. I try to go faster, longer and push harder.
Thanks and have a great weekend. And from your most recent post, I’ve always wanted to attempt a run in Austin but with the elevation, not sure I could do it very well
Marissa recently posted..What’s your WHY?
I can’t believe I forgot to mention the running community! I love all my online running friends.
I haven’t quite gotten into a good IRL community yet.
Clarinda @ Enjoying the Course recently posted..I ♥ to Run
Great post! I love running for so many reasons, but definitely spending time with Mike, our new friends, setting goals and achieving them are the big ones. Endorphins are also a nice plus
Jamie @ couchtoironwoman recently posted..Love Your Heart
I love your list Laura!! I can also relate to every single item. I can’t believe the things I’ve accomplished with my running in these past few months and I still get overly excited when thinking about them.
Maria @ Lil Mys Ninja recently posted..I Heart Running
Jessica and Michelle’s reasons are exactly why I love running.
Mandy recently posted..The Great Shoe Mix-Up
Fabulous post! #6 pretty much defines me. I am competitive with myself and others through-and-through and running allows me to channel that part of me.
Alison @ racingtales recently posted..Everyone’s a Winner Baby…