"The beauty of running is its simplicity; the beauty of runners is that we all have a similar drive to improve. We are either trying to run a personal best, or toeing the line for the first time, which will snowball into a future of trying to run personal bests. We road racers are a tight community of mileage-happy, limit-pushing athletes." - Deena Kastor, long distance runner who holds American records in the marathon, half-marathon and numerous road distances.
My husband doesn't get it. I use to not get it. It wasn't until after I had my first son and decided to run the Army Ten Miler in honor of SGT Nicholas J. Lightner (OIF 21MAR2007) that I finally got it; and once I got it, I got it bad.
Most people tell me I'm crazy and give me funny looks when I tell them I just ran a 10k for no reason other than thats just how far I happened to run that day. Yes, I like to run. Actually, I suppose I could go so far as to say I love to run. It's almost a compulsion, a need and desire that if left unfulfilled for too long will turn me into a cranky, irritable jerk (just ask my husband).
I'm not very fast and I'm only out to beat myself, but that's apart of the love affair I have with running - it's all about me. Running is the one aspect of my life I can completely control - when, where, how far, how long, what shoes, what clothes, hills or flat, distance or sprint. I walk when I want, run as fast as I want, and take a break when I want. I suppose that's why I hated running while I was in the Army, I didn't get to control any of that and subsequently I ended up damaging my knees from runs that were to slow, to fast, or too far (and often a combination of all three!). So I get why my husband doesn't like running - the Army takes the joy out of it. I guess that's enough Army bashing...for now.
I first started training to run for the 2007 Army Ten Miler just doing laps around my block that consisted of me yelling at myself (in my head of course, I didn't want people thinking I was crazy) to "just keep going" and "you can do it" or "the pain will be worth it". After a few weeks I hit a wall and couldn't get past two miles without panting and clutching my chest like I was having a heart attack so I decided it was time to get a personal trainer.
I went to Bally's and got a trainer, Anree Lockhart, who eventually became a co-worker and will always be a friend. He taught me the value of cross training in martial arts (which lead to my black belt in Karate) and showed me how running could actually be fun.
So if you're reading this you were probably with me up until I said the "running is fun" part. I was there. However I must insert this disclaimer: if you have never experienced a "runner's high" or pushed your body past the point where you thought for sure it would just fall apart then you won't get it. I think running works best for those that like a challenge and to push themselves farther than they ever thought they could go.
I've ended runs laughing uncontrollably to the point where my abs hurt the next day. I've also ended runs sobbing like a baby for no reason. Usually I just end up with a feeling of exhaustion and accomplishment.
I've logged enough miles that I feel I can safely call myself a runner. Right now I average between 10 and 20 miles a week. I have bad knees courtesy of genetics and the US Army which keeps me from pushing too hard. I like to think I know when to take time off, but realistically something has to be hurting pretty bad for me to take a break. I know my body well enough to run safely (I over-pronate like crazy with my right leg) and I understand enough of the lingo that I can "talk shop" with another runner. I don't spend hundreds of dollars on technical gear; the most technical running gear I own is my running shoes (I did spend $85 on a pair of Vibram for barefoot running - totally worth it). But that's the glory of running, you don't have to buy a bunch of expensive gear or understand what a fartlek is to do it - just run. (Shoot, I just remembered that I do have a polar watch that tracks my distance/calories/pace/etc. that was $125...)
Running is a subculture that exists and is going strong even in our society of fast food and simulated existence. I like to be in nature when I run, get away from technology. Often that's not possible and I end up on a treadmill in an air conditioned gym with my iPod blaring Dragon Force, but I try to run outside technology free as often as I can. Running is always my time to reflect and talk to God, even if it's just the last few minutes of my run where I thank God for the ability and opportunity to run, especially since I have friends that will never run again...
So why are you still reading this? I'm not trying to promote running or recruit anyone to the dark side (which is what most people seem to think running is). I simply love to run, in large part because it's simple (as so few things in life are). Maybe the next time you run into me (no pun intended) you won't look at me like I'm crazy when you ask why I'm all sweaty and out of breath only to be told I just finished running 5 miles. I'm not crazy; well, I'm no crazier than anyone else. I get more funny looks when I say I'm a runner than when I say I'm a Christian; what does that tell you about the majority view of runners?
To be honest, I've completely forgotten where I was going with this little 'running is awesome' tirade. Maybe I should go for a run and try to remember...
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