Happy National Running Day | 10 Reasons Why I Run (and you should too!)

I’ve never been athletic.  I’ve never enjoyed sports.  I didn’t like exercising.  I’ve been overweight for a long time.  I wanted to be skinny but I didn’t want to work hard for it.  Sweat?!!? UH, No Thank You!! And then, one day it clicked.  Nothing was going to change, nothing was going to get better with my self esteem, my body image, my mind, until I got out there and did something about it.  And so, I started running.  Wait up, I didn’t start running, I started speed walking, then I moved up to an awkward trot.  It was difficult to run.  I felt heavy, my legs felt like they had lead weights on them, my asthmatic lungs felt like they were on fire.  The air was thick.  Running sucked.  But soon it started to feel easier.  Not easy, but easier. The more I ran, the easier it got, the less it sucked.  The more I ran, the more I loved it.  I started to miss it on days I didn’t run.  What kind of freak have I become? I guess, I’m a running freak.  Don’t get me wrong, running still isn’t easy.  I don’t think it ever will be easy and I’m ok with that.  Some days it’s hard to get out there and run, but I do it anyways.  Here’s why:

1. I run because I love how I feel after I’m done.
2.  I run because it makes me feel strong.
3. I run because it’s a great way to lose weight.
4. I run to clear my head.
5. I run because it’s good for my heart.
6. I run to reach my goals.
7. I run to tune out the world around me.
8. I run because I want to be a good example to my children.
9. I run in the hopes of inspiring others.
10. I run because I can! 

BONUS: I run because I love the cute running shorts 😉 

Why do you run?  Are you running today for #nationalrunningday? You don’t have to be fast (I sure am not) You just have to want it.  Get out there and give it your all.  You may surprise yourself and end up loving it!