It's in my blood! I can NOT go for a 3 mile walk and actually walk the whole way! I have an internal "burning" that I need to giddy-up and go. I used to be a huge runner as a kid, and speedy too. After having my 1st baby, I took it up again, and although I struggle to build endurance and go the extra mile, I love the feeling after a good 3-4 miler!

(I do shorter distances, but will enter my 1st 10k this spring)

it makes me feel good
and it helps me keep this rockin hot bod

I'm still trying to figure out the answer to this question.

I started running because my husband was training for a marathon...and he made it look like fun. I thought I'd try it as well and I took a running class to get me to the point where I could run a 5K. I couldn't run a block this time last year. I just completed my first 10K and now I'm training for a half. That feels pretty good. So, I keep going.

...Maybe it's because I have a great running partner and it's great for us to get together a couple times a week....

...Maybe it's because I love the way the air fills my lungs and the trees sway on those beautiful running days...I'm a birdwatcher....may as well run at the same time....

....Running is a great time to pray......I remember who and where I am.

The only thing in my way is me.

Why? To keep sane.

Yes, I run for fun.

Honestly? I started running to spite an ex-boyfriend.

He was a marathoner, and he wanted to run with me. I never thought I could be a runner, but I wanted to try for this guy. So, I started running and didn't tell him--I didn't want him to know until I was sure I'd be able to follow through with it.

Then, about a month after I'd started running, we broke up. Then I HAD to become a good runner!

Turned out, though, I love it!!

1. It started with wanting to get fit generally.

2. After finding out what the expectations for fitness were with the TA, I decided I needed to get out running.

3. Stress relief

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Fear nothingand you can conquer the world

Because only a true long distance runner can understand this experience!!! IT IS A SATURDAY MORNING. IT IS 6:15 A.M. AND I HAVE BEEN ON THE ROAD PUTTING IN THE MILES SINCE 5:00 A.M. I DID NOT HAVE TO GET UP EARLY TODAY BUT I WANTED TO BECAUSE I LOVE TO RUN AND SEE THE SUN RISE. AT 6:15 A.M. I AM ABOUT 10 MILES INTO A 20 MILE LONG RUN. IT IS ABOUT 20 DEGREES OUTSIDE AND EVERYTHING IS FROSTY ALONG THE VACANT COUNTRY ROAD I AM RUNNING ALONG BUT I'M PERFECTLY FINE AND WARM. ALL I CAN HEAR IS MY FEET HITTING THE DIRT ROAD AND I HAVE FALLEN INTO A 7:00 - 7:15 PER MILE PACE THAT I FEEL I COULD HOLD FOREVER. ALL OF THE STRESS AND PROBLEMS OF THE DAILY GRIND AT WORK HAVE MELTED AWAY AND I AM FOCUSED ON THE RUN. THE SUN IS JUST STARTING TO COME UP OVER THE EASTERN SKY. THE HORIZON IS BLAZING BRIGHT PINK BUT THE STARS ARE STILL SHINING. I STARTED OUT HEADING WEST AND THEN TURNED AROUND AT THE 10 MILE MARK SO I COULD HEAD BACK EAST AND WATCH THE SUN RISE. I HAVE NOT SEEN A CAR OR ANOTHER PERSON ON THIS COUNTRY ROAD ALL MORNING. MOST OF THE REST OF THE WORLD IS ASLEEP AND I'M ALREADY 10 MILES INTO MY 20 MILE RUN. I FEEL GREAT AND DECIDE TO PICK UP THE PACE JUST A LITTLE. GUESS WHAT?? I'M A LONG DISTANCE RUNNER. If you understand this scenario then you know why you started running and will continue to run. If you don't understand this scenario, then keep running and perhaps one day you will. KEEP RUNNING.