Why do I run?
I run to clear my mind. I run to think. I run to listen to music. I run to be healthier. I run because it's fun. I run because it's difficult.
I guess the number one reason I run is because I want to. It's never easy and there are sometimes aches and pains. Sometimes my lungs can't sustain a long run. Sometimes my legs can't sustain a long run. It's okay if I can't run forever and ever and it's okay if I stop during a run. I'm not a professional athlete or a very good runner, but you could call me the king of stop and go. I run until I can't muster any more strength. Then I stop and walk. Then after I've gotten enough wind back, I get back to running. This practice goes on and on until it's time for me to get back home. I don't track how long I run or how far I go, at least not always, and that's okay too.
I'm comfortable with running. I understand that it's something that I want to do and not something I need to do to prevent my heavier days. Yes I'm tall, but it doesn't mean that 285lbs is good for a tall person. Well, maybe if you are a defensive end for the NFL. It's been a while since I was that lazy and chose to eat an unhealthy diet at all hours of the night. I'm definitely not perfect, but I've changed some things over the past few years. I want to do everything I can to be here as long as I can for my family, which is about to be a plus one at the dinner table soon. That's a pretty good reason to keep up with moderation. Now don't get me wrong, I love ice cream. And when I say ice cream, I mean it's the only reason I want to eat cake, cookies, or brownies. There needs to be some ice cream on top. And yes, some might say that I go overboard when I do eat ice cream. I'm working on that.
Back to running. I like the feeling you get a few hours after running. My lungs feel relaxed. My body feels relaxed. I feel happy that I've gone for a run. It's the small things, but it doesn't take much to please this cat. I want to be healthy when I can, splurge on ice cream when I can (in moderation of course), and just run when I can. I don't have a perfect system, but I feel happy with the decisions I've made with food and exercise. I'm happy that my wife and I both make good decisions with food and exercise. We go for walks when we can and she goes to pregnancy yoga and I run. I'll sometimes get on an elliptical machine to spare my knees, but it's definitely not the same. The freedom to just run and put myself on cruise control is splendid. I listen to some great tunes, zone out (with the exception of checking for traffic), and just keep going until it's time for me to get back home.
I guess I could've just said I like to run and maybe that would explain it just as well as what I just blabbered on about. Maybe I could've explained it in four easy words. Perhaps there isn't any need to explain the simplicity of it all and why something so simple can make a person happy. I guess I can give it a shot.
I like to run.