Why Do You Run?

I was running in the first annual Runners World 5k in Bethlehem PA while visiting my best friend from high school & college. Can you tell from this photo that I was in agony? I was running with a stress fracture in my foot. I could hardly walk but I was running AND I was happy. I forgot about my pain. I was approaching the finish line and my friend was there cheering me on.

I am not saying that I was smart to run with an injury. But what I am saying is that when I have problems and things aren’t going well, running boosts my spirits.

strong

I was 60 years old in this photo. I was recovering from another injury. This time, a broken foot. Since I started running, I have felt stronger and more fit. If I have an injury, I know that I will recover. I think that because I am a runner, I recover faster. I also feel younger and healthier. That doesn’t mean that I always eat healthy because I don’t. But running has kept my weight in check, despite my love for all things carb.

proud

When I seriously broke my ankle and needed surgery, the ortho said I may not run again and if I did, not long distances. Well, I did run 3 half marathons after that injury. (The first one is this photo.) And I am proud. I am proud that I tried and proud that I succeeded. There may come a day that I can’t do it. I am proud that I still can.

So on the subject of running, I have another race tomorrow. I had signed up to the 10K and then chickened out. I want to work on speed and the 5K is flatter so I switched. I promise to do a 10K in May.

My goals are similar to my last race’s and will be the same for upcoming short distance races: