5. Nice people
Very seldom do you hear about the jerks of the sport. More often, it’s a nice crowd at the expo and on the trails. The fast finishers encourage the back-of-the-pack, the back-of-the-pack applaud the fast finishers. It’s like a running circle of life. And when you meet Jeff Galloway at the Grandma’s Marathon Expo, want to buy his book, and he doesn’t take debit cards…he gives you his book anyways, signs it, and trusts you to mail him a check when you get home (first thing I did after unpacking). If that doesn’t sum up the “nice” of the running community, I don’t know what does.
4. Meet new people
Like Elizabeth. We are running the Grand Rapids Marathon together in October after meeting at the Salt Lake City Marathon. And there’s Steena, and Renee, and Angie, and Katie and so many more runners-turned-friends I’ve connected with via Daily Mile, Twitter, and Facebook. All because of our common love (or love/hate) for pounding the pavement.
3. Stay in touch / reconnect with old friends
There are so many examples of old friends I have stayed in touch with, or reconnected with because of running. Without the excuse of an entry form I would never have met up with Marlena in Cincinnati, or planned a trip to Nashville with Angie, Laura and Jessica.. Nicole M., Jeff, Farrah, Nicolette – we’ve all had awesome weekends just because of running.
2. Adventures
For some, this means running a marathon in every state. For others, it’s signing up for that local 5k for the first time. Some run charity races with special meaning, some run in costumed races, and some (my friends) run in beer runs. No matter why you are running, each race is an event.
1. Healthy lifestyle
Running and the running community help me reach my goals. When already self-motivated, we offer words of praise. When someone falls off the wagon, its words of encouragement. I may not always make the best choices (like the pizza I had for breakfast…stop judging) but I promise I’d be much worse off if it weren’t for this sport. We re-enforce and promote a healthy lifestyle among ourselves. And it’s awesome.
What do you love about running?
Lately you have known exactly when I need a good push and exactly what to say to push me in the right direction.
I’m happy to have found my reason #4 in you.
:)
Thanks lady. :)