What Is It With You Runners?

author : dawnieruns

comments : 2

It's funny, there are so many people who hate even the thought of running, or even of jogging slowly! I can't imagine my life without it.

What do I love about running? I was asked for the answer when starting up a new running /triathlon blog...Here's the scoop.

The freedom, the flight- the ability to think clearly when I need to, but also the choice of blasting out my thoughts with my I-pod tunes in avoidance. I love what it does for my mind and body. Yes, the weight control is nice, and yes, fitting into my clothes properly counts. The fresh face after a run, feeling alive and the feeling of 'hey- I really deserve this sleep tonight!'

I'm a respiratory/ventilator nurse (working only per-diem right now) and have seen what unhappy lungs are like. I was a smoker myself 12 years ago. I struggled to jog back then- and I fought through the fatigue. I ran more- and smoked less...

When we run, our lungs are happy. They are unpolluted and elastic. We are lucky enough where we reside to breathe fresh air deeply—most of the time. Our circulatory systems function optimally, our heart rates and BP decrease due to less demand on the heart muscle, and our vessels function more like a fast throughway than a bottlenecking arterial. We utilize energy better, and it seems like everything becomes a little easier.

On top of all that, I love other runners and the camaraderie at the races really keeps me coming back. I volunteered at the Trot this year and it was an eye opener for me. I am part of a bunch of great people, most of whom I haven't officially met! But as I saw and encouraged each of you, I thought, “Yes, it's freaking cold out here, but I'm glad I am here- I belong here with them, and I have the privilege of doing this!” Next year I'll probably be running it, but right now, this is where I need to be- supporting my fellow runners.

It's funny, there are so many people who hate even the thought of running, or even of jogging slowly! I can't imagine my life without it. My very first running injury (I am 35 years young!) came about over these last two months and man, it has been hard to accept my limitations. But I'm getting better every day.

I am blessed because I can run in a wonderful area, knowing the neighbors and their dogs; knowing that if I were hurt, someone would come to my rescue. On days when I don't feel like scaling that hill, a neighbor may be walking and encourage me- they are usually not even aware that they are doing that- and I somehow make it up that hill .

In both running on fresh packed snow and early morning summer runs- it keeps us all connected spiritually with nature, people, and even ourselves. We can tune into our body's rhythms, watch the clock, push ourselves one day or zone out completely, pound the pavement to Tom Petty...and just run.

What is it with you runners? One neighbor yelled to me, "You are an inspiration..." and told me how she's begun to take steps in the right direction. I laugh to myself and think, "I'm just doing what comes natural to me!"- even if I'm not as fast or efficient as a was a few years ago.

Back then I'd run the mile in 7:45 and didn't realize that one day it would take me longer—9 or even 10 minutes. Aging a few years and gaining a few pounds does not help the situation. But I'm here- and I'm blessed, and I'm running - forever! 

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date: March 20, 2007