Why I Run

Running is 10% Stamina, 10% legs and 80% mental

A few years ago, even less than a year ago thinking about it, if you told me that I would be going out running 3 times a week and for longer than an hour at at time I would tell you how mad you are.

Not being the desired running shape, not aerodynamic, having bits that wobbled too much for tight tops and I was seriously unfit, I always found it difficult to find any enjoyment from plodding along the streets or on a treadmill for longer than 5 minutes.  It is such a boring, mind numbing thing to do.  There is also the fact that as soon as you set off, your brain kicks in and says, "excuse me, I am tired, you are too fat to do this, you shouldn't be running because you are no good at it, people will be laughing at you, give up now" so you do.

I entered a few Triathlons being a keen swimmer in my younger, healthier years and also as I had recently taken up cycling, but I always disregarded the run.  I would hammer the swim and the cycle and then plod around on the run with absolute distaste until I crossed the finish line ready to sign up for the next Tri.

For some strange reason, I challenged myself on my 40 before 40 bucket list to "Run a Marathon". We have several family members who have completed this monstrous task, my Uncle has ran numerous 26.2 milers in different countries and he set some incredible times and seen some amazing sights.  Recently, my brother, sister-in-law and a couple of cousins completed the Brighton Marathon, and even though this task was on my list of things to do, I just couldn't bring myself to take up the challenge.

At the end of 2014/start of 2015, both my wife Clare and I decided that we would seriously focus on our health and lose the weight that had sneaked up on us again.  In a moment of madness, taken in by the price of the event, I signed up for the Blackpool Half Marathon in April thinking that 13.1 miles didn't look that far, and with me being slightly lighter than my 2014 counterpart, it would be a good testing point to see if I could actually do the marathon eventually, so training began.

The first few runs out, in the cold January weather were not happy times, I was really regretting signing up for this event as I would be doing it so slow and every one would be laughing at me and yes, this was my mind taking over again.  After a couple of runs my mind decided to shut up and let me get on with it.

I am now at the point where I look forward to a run, I am eager to get on my runners and pound my feet on the ground (obviously doing a mid-foot strike), take on big hills, challenging routes and pushing myself on each run.

Before I set out on a run I get a little adrenaline rush, with most of my routes already plotted out, I look forward to little sections I put in there for a challenge.  I prepare my music playlist ready for inspiration and choose which runners are best for the terrain ahead.

When out on a run, I can forget everything, enjoy the moment, enjoy my music playlists and see more of what is out there.   It seems like a completely stress free life when out on the roads.  Now, most people that know me will tell you that I am pretty much a stress free guy in normal day to day life, and I am extremely happy with my home life, so as you can only imagine how I feel when out on a run!

The run I did in Budapest was just awe inspiring and I saw so much of the cities sights that I had to stop a couple of times to take in the beauty.  These are the moments that make running so much more fun.

When you return home and check your latest figures and stats on your run, that feeling of elation comes back again.  The sense of achievement, the fact that I have beaten the mind yet again, the tune that I have not heard for ages that gave me that little push.

So many non-runners tell me how damaging running is for your knees and how it is so bad for your health. These people are being controlled by the negative mind that tells you that you cannot achieve this.  I am a firm believer that with the correct running shoes and running equipment injuries can easily be avoided and pressure on your knees can seriously be reduced.   I have noticed a massive difference in my health levels, I am definitely fitter, more active, this is mainly down to the running.

Going back to my title, Why I Run

I run because I have quietened the niggling, demotivating mind
I run because I love the pre-run feeling
I run because I enjoy the hour or longer of stress free life
I run because I get a sense of real pride when I return home

I run because I can, and I feel great

With a couple of months to go till I take on the first part of my challenge I am now running 10k's well under the hour mark, covering distances of over 10 mile with ease and finding the the times keep dropping and hills getting easier each time.  I feel like I can call myself a runner.  Don't get me wrong, I am not fast, I am not running with style, but I am running.  If you see me out and about, I will more than likely be smiling, most of the time.

Let me know why do you run? what is your motivation? what is your mind telling you?