It's just who I am. Me without the running is just not me anymore. I'd just be another lazy person and that's NOT me. I AM a runner! Plus with being on the school team I could never stop and let the other girls down. I would never forgive myself.

You're right this is a great topic

I mostly jump over them and try to land without falling. Or under them. Sometimes I go around them. Sometimes have to go way around. Rarely through them unless I have to.

Sometimes it's my dogs that make me get up and go for a run when I'd rather stay under my warm blankets and sleep an extra 45 min.

Sometimes it's my burning desire for my alone time to destress and work up a sweat.

Sometimes it's the dessert I had the night before that I shouldn't have had.

And sometimes it's the latte that I know I want to stop and get on my way to work.

But no matter the reason, I'm always happy afterwards that I did it, I feel better, have more energy and my legs look better So, sometimes, it's just the feeling I KNOW I'll have afterwards that keeps me going.

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"Life Is Good"

Tammy[/URL" target="_blank">

I'm a little different than most runners, I guess. There have been times when I've stopped running for a month or so, or scaled back mileage significantly. The main culprits have been "no time" (I need my sleep) and, especially when I was younger, burnout.

I don't regret taking time away from running. There are just some times when I'm too busy or not enjoying running. Pushing through it doesn't work well for me. It becomes a chore. I'm better off taking a break and then coming back when I start to miss it or my schedule changes to make it easier.

Actually I think this gentle approach is what has helped me to run for over 15 years. I think the longest chunk I've ever taken off was about 2 months. I've known a lot of gifted and dedicated runners who were very intense about running for a while and then eventually quit altogether. I think for some of them at least, it was because they were forcing it too much. I think I've outlasted them because I focus on actually enjoying my runs and when it's not fun anymore, I take a break.

I always come back because I like running!

quote:<HR>Originally posted by bluelace6388:
been posted in two other discussions, great replies so far--


What makes you get up again, keep going, recover, reenergize, remotivate? Why do you run again and again, and never want to quit no matter what happens, or if you suck, get hurt, no time, whatever?<HR>

I keep on running because it's the only thing that keeps me sane in this nutty world. No matter how people treat me or what kind of bad day I've had, running makes everything all right again. I do a lot of thinking while I run and running makes me feel mentally tough and strong. No one can defeat my soul or spirit. Running makes me feel like a winner. Running makes me feel good, healthy, I get a natural high like no other and it mentally re-energizes me. Whatever it does to the body is gravy or icing on the cake. I keep on running (and sometimes have to force myself to) because if I don't run, I'll go crazy, feel sorry for myself and become very cranky, irritable, easily agitated. All my workouts aren't great ones but I've never regretted going out for a run when I initially didn't feel like it. I make the time to run by running at 5AM during the week, 6AM on weekends. I've showered, groomed, and eaten while most folks are still asleep. Fortunately, I've been spared overuse injuries since I've been careful about my running regimen. I know how much my body can handle and I don't over do it anymore. No injuries lately because I've been running smarter. Running's just a part of my life like brushing my teeth. I don't question whether or not I'm going to continue running or if my schedule does/doesn't permit it. I squeeze the run in, get it done and over with. Once I've showered, I coast for the rest of the day. Oh and it makes me disgustingly happy, too.

I'm too stubborn to quit.



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Bugs[/URL" target="_blank">