Why I Run

Like the rest of you, I also get asked why I run. To non-runners, it is hard to believe that we would enjoy the effort, exertion, training, and dedication required by those of us that keep on running. Here is my honest thoughts on exactly why I run, listed in no particular order.

  • I get to pretend, for a little while, that I'm a real athlete. Sometimes, I even convince myself.
  • For STRESS relief. I'd literally explode if I didn't get in a run some days.
  • My wife likes the look of my "runners legs".
  • Those wonderful trail runs. I love being out in the woods, whether running, hiking, canoeing or camping.
  • Races, where I get to put all those hours on the road to the test.
  • The silly grin I get after a good run. A lady at work always knows when I've been out for a run at lunch. I thought she was psychic until she told me her secret.
  • For the companionship. I'd never have completed my first "Around the bay" without the support and help of my running partners at work.
  • For the solitude. There are times when you have to be alone with yourself to get centered again.
  • The magical groove when you get swallowed by the Zen moment.
  • Using everything up in that final push to the finish line. Collapsing after ain't pretty, but I've earned it.
  • Sometimes, just being alone and running with a problem, solutions happen.
  • I can run any where, any time. All I have to do is put on the shoes and go.
  • Being outside. I hate running on the "gerbil wheel", A.K.A. or "dreadmill".
  • Knowing that one of these days, I'm going to finally catch Matilda, instead of constantly following her across a finish line.
  • There's something about fit, sweaty females in Lycra.
  • The burn I get when I push the climb to the top of King Road hill during the Sunday long run.
  • Setting insane, completely unrealistic, unattainable goals and sometimes meeting them.
  • Talking to runners in their first race, all tentative and unsure of themselves.
  • Cheering those same runners across the finish line, seeing their look of triumphant accomplishment.
  • Giving blood and having the nurse ask if I was a runner based upon my pulse rate and blood pressure.
  • Being made to feel welcome at Horton's after the weekend club run.
  • Not feeling guilty about that extra helping... I'll just run it off tomorrow.
  • Knowing that as much as I hate interval training, I just gotta do it. They all can't be LSD's (long slow distance).
  • Being able to say, "No thanks, I'm in training," as a viable (if unbelievable) excuse.
  • Wolf whistles from ladies in passing cars.
  • Comparing finish times after a race.
  • Finding new and ever more exotic excuses for a days poor performance (my favourite still is "Lake effect").
  • Discussing training plans and race goals with other runners.
  • The free massages after a major race.
  • The quizzical looks from people when I head out and it's -15c.
  • Cold, winter days, steam rising off my back, knowing that it's not "too damn cold" to run outside.
  • I know for a fact that runners are bigger liars than cyclists when it comes to describing hills.
  • Receiving the very cool and totally unexpected club singlet in the mail.
  • I was once accused of being a motivational speaker, while talking to a runner disappointed with their race time.
  • The hot, pounding shower after a good workout.
  • Shopping for new running shoes and running gear. Weaseling John, the owner of the local running gear store, to bring something in just for me.
  • Convincing the recreation department at work to add a run/walk event to the "Health Life Styles" day.
  • It gives me a reason to wear a kilt at the yearly "Robbie Burns" road race put on by the running club.
  • Saying hello and waving to other runners as they pass on my weekend LSD.
  • Helping out with a race, even if it's only to carry the bib tags back to the official timer.
  • Reading "The Penguin Chronicles" in Runners World's, first.
  • Encouraging beginning runners with tips, coaching, training, companionship and race forms.
  • I get to wear cool shades when I run.
  • Being able to try on $200.00 running shoes and not feel envious, because they usually don't fit properly anyway.
  • Gasping out a "thank-you" to the police and race volunteers at each cross street.
  • Knowing that no matter how badly I run, I'm still faster than all those couch potatoes watching TV and eating chips.
  • Organizing and harassing the lay-abouts at work into showing up for the lunch time runs and weekend races.
  • Being humbled by fellow runners with twenty years on me.
  • I'm considered one of the "jocks" at work. And I was the last one chosen for teams at school. Go figure!
  • Being able to hang out with "real athletes" at the awards ceremony after a race, and eat bagels with the best.
  • Counting the number of rabbits (the furry, rodent kind), birds, turtles, skunks and other wild life I run across on solo expeditions.
  • Sun on my face, wind at my back, fresh air in my lungs, and sweat on my skin.
  • Finally, being able to see that damn finish line. I knew it was out there some where.
  • Two words, "HAMMER DOWN!"
  • Training for my first marathon. Thanks, fellow Burlington Runners.
  • Completing my first marathon, within my goal time. Thanks again, Burlington Runners.

By Mark G. Collis

Revised: July 24, 2006.