Why Do I Run...

I get that question a lot...
Well, after this week I did some thinking of a response to that question so I could come up with an answer other than, "because I love to run... and it just feels good!"
I run to escape reality for awhile. No one needs me to wipe their nose, their butt, get them a drink or get them food. There are no fights to break up or timeouts to be given. There are no piles of clothes or dirty dishes to look at and think about washing, dust and dirty floors can wait, along with other to do lists on the counter. No repeating myself or having to listen to whining or crying. It's a time just for mom! It's a time I am grateful just to carve out of my busy day and give myself time to think, organize my day or thoughts, clear my mind. I accomplish so much more after I go running! It is my therapy. When I can do it with my close friend, it is a connection we both share and we become each other's therapists! We can talk just about anything and I think we can solve world problems! That friendship has been such a blessing! We both celebrate our achievements together that we have worked hard for! 
Being one in nature! I like to feel the wind and sun on my face or the rain and sleet. I love being outdoors...on an early morning run hearing the roosters and the birds chirp is lovely. I miss the fresh fallen snow on a first snowfall in Minnesota. It was not icy or to cold to run on but beautiful as the snowflakes fell and I could feel like a child catching them in my mouth...
I run because it is peaceful and it is a way to shut out the world for awhile but "my" world was invaded by evil and that being a Runner's world! How dare they! I have been scared by dogs or crazy drivers when I am out running but never would I think of being attacked by terrorists! America has become a scary place these days! The best part of the news coverage was watching all the runners come together as a family and helping each other and helping the medical staff on the scene. There was one Dr. who ran the marathon and after completing the marathon turned to helped victims and then went to the hospital and performed surgery on those that were amputee victims. He had just ran a marathon! The running community is a family!
We all share a love and passion for running. I run for the pure joy of it and it started way back in 4th grade on those end of year days at track and field days. I found something that made me feel good, boosted my self confidence, self-esteem, and something that I actually was good at.

The other question my husband often asks is why do I race? I never have a good enough answer. My husband is not a runner and I don't think I will ever convince him into running. He finds enjoyment in other sports that he can play.
All I can say is go and do one! Everyone has a competitive spirit in them! It feels awesome to train and accomplish something that you set out to do. It is a fun atmosphere and it just makes you feel good! All those people on race day come from different backgrounds, different race, different religion, different parts of the country, and different views but that one single day they share one common thing...a passion for running.
That's what the people in Boston understood that day! The were all family!

What happened that day will not keep a us down,
we'll keep running from town to town
as we share a common ground
We are a family
we have solidarity
go for a run~it will provide some clarity!