Why I run
Two of my favorite running buddies β Stirlingshire, Scotland
I love to run.
My favorite runs are longer distances. Iβve done lots 13β15mi runs, one marathon and Iβm training for a second.
People sometimes ask why and I like to say βBecause it feels so good when I stop.β
Itβs a joke but thereβs a kernel of truth to it. Running is really an exercise in how much misery you can stand.
Sometimes I go out for a run and I feel great the entire time. I feel fast and everything is easy. Iβm plugged straight into the joy of the run. Even then though, the best run has a level of discomfort to it.
Sometimes I go out and itβs a slog. Every tenth of a mile ticks by in slow motion.
Jane and I went out for a run last Saturday. It was supposed to be an 11mi training day but I didnβt want to run at all and I was hoping for a quick 5k. I was on vacation. Itβs OK to slack on vacation, right? No such luck. For better or worse, Janeβs amazing at helping me push myself when I donβt want to. After some back-and-forth, we agreed on 4mi out and 4mi back.
Unfortunately Jane started feeling bad around 5mi and decided to walk. God, I wanted to stop and walk too, but I finished the 8mi. And then I thought, Iβm already at 8mi, I should just run the last 3mi.
Which I did. I found the voice of the quitter in my brain and told him to shut the fuck up. It was absolute agony. Every step hurt and I just wanted to stop.
Thatβs why I run.
To fight myself and win.
To fight for the joy of conquering uncertainty and self-doubt.
And because it feels so good when I stop.