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Last post: Sep 16, 2009 4:48 PM by dutch omi

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Jimmy_D_Jarhead

4,082 posts since
Dec 15, 2007

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Feb 12, 2008 7:47 PM

Why do you still run?

I want to start by apologizing for seeming to be in rare form the past week or so. I have never been without running and can't understand why people who once ran quit. I wanted to start a thread so others can respond and maybe find solace in why others stil run.

I still run because if I don't I become a very angry, bitter person. I am afraid to quit.

Jimmy

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"Lifes not the breaths you take but the moments that take your breath away."

~ King George (Strait)

MCM Ron

1,507 posts since
Jan 19, 2008

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1. Feb 12, 2008 7:50 PM

in response to: Jimmy_D_Jarhead

Re: Why do you still run?

I still run because I found -- and it took me many, many years to find this out -- that I love to run!!!

'97 Chicago Marathon 4:26:30
'07 Marine Corps Marathon 4:00:50
'08 Wineglass Marathon 3:53:29
'09 Illinois Marathon 3:46:22

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Irish Runner77

774 posts since
Nov 1, 2007

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2. Feb 12, 2008 8:02 PM

in response to: Jimmy_D_Jarhead

Re: Why do you still run?

Because its one of the few times I feel in control, and no matter how hard it was to get started, or how much I have to push to get through, the way I feel at the end of a run is usually the best I feel all day.

And because I have a picture of myself on my dresser, weighing just under 300 lbs, to which I say never again.

MCM Finisher 2007, 2008
CMM Finisher 2008
Goofy Challenge Finisher 2009
Pittsburgh Marathon Finisher 2009
RnR Seattle Finisher 2009

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dutch omi

4,519 posts since
Jan 19, 2008

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3. Feb 12, 2008 8:29 PM

in response to: Jimmy_D_Jarhead

Re: Why do you still run?

I ski/run because I need to keep my head clear, have control over my lazy tendencies, stay healthy and plainly just love to be outside. And in addition, I love my food and drink and without running I'd be a ten ton annie. And to be honest, after a week of sitting on my duff, I get as cranky as cranky gets.

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Charlie!2

1,062 posts since
Jan 21, 2008

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4. Feb 13, 2008 3:57 AM

in response to: Jimmy_D_Jarhead

Re: Why do you still run?

I run mainly because it's fun.

Other reasons:

- Because it keeps me healthy!

- Lets me eat anything I want...in other words...I run to eat! Can I still eat anything I want and be healthy? Had ribs, fries, salad with blue cheese dressing and ice tea last night.

- It's great to get out and compete.

- It's great to ge together with other runners.

Charlie

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Jimmy_D_Jarhead

4,082 posts since
Dec 15, 2007

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5. Feb 13, 2008 4:20 AM

in response to: Charlie!2

Re: Why do you still run?

All of these are great reasons and I am sure that some of them are reasons we all still run. I still run because it allows me time by myself, even when other runners are with me.

"Lifes not the breaths you take but the moments that take your breath away."

~ King George (Strait)

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DCtoPgh

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Aug 15, 2007

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6. Feb 13, 2008 4:57 AM

in response to: Jimmy_D_Jarhead

Re: Why do you still run?

"The more I run, the more I want to run, and the more I live a life

conditioned and influenced and fashioned by my running. And the more I

run, the more certain I am that I am heading for my real goal: to

become the person that I am". ~George Sheehan, M.D.

Sorry to cop out with a quote, but said it a lot better than I ever could have!

I do today what you won't, so tomorrow I do what you can't.

Up Next: Rest! And celebrating my JFK50 finish with a vacation in Roma! | My Running Blog

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lenzlaw

7,024 posts since
Jan 18, 2008

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7. Feb 13, 2008 5:47 AM

in response to: Jimmy_D_Jarhead

Re: Why do you still run?

I run because:

I do enjoy it. I curse the scheduling, the need for planning, the weather, but not the running.
I run for my health, to keep my body in good shape.
I run to eat, like Charlie. I can pretty much eat what I want. There's always a need to maintain a healthy diet, but other than that . . .
Yep, Charlie, the competition is great. I've never been fast, so I'm competing with myself and the clock. My absolute PRs are probably all behind me, so I compete to see how well I can do on this day, these road and weather conditions, and the way I feel today, mentally and physically.
The solitude is also good. It's time for myself.

So - many of the same reasons others run. They're more than adequate, and keep me out there.

We've come this far and it's still the same,
Runnin' out here in the rain.
Just one more mile, if only you could fly.
(Apologies to T. Rush and J. Tempchin, for the paraphrase)

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FormerBAM

4,354 posts since
Aug 21, 2007

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8. Feb 13, 2008 5:52 AM

in response to: lenzlaw

Re: Why do you still run?

good question, Jimmy.

I haven't been running but it's because my kids, husband, and job won't let me find time. Not because I don't want to. I can't imagine ever quitting and just saying, That's it, it was fun while it lasted. But I have to admit, I enjoy it a lot more when I'm not feeling the pressure of a marathon coming up and being unprepared.

I run so I can eat anything I want, and for endurance, and to remind myself I'm not dead yet, and to push myself to do all I can, and because I can.

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HALOjen

1,261 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

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9. Feb 13, 2008 6:48 AM

in response to: Jimmy_D_Jarhead

Re: Why do you still run?

I love that George Sheehan quote!

I started to run a couple of years ago as a way to deal with the overwhelming sadness I was feeling over losing my Mom. My sister went on meds, one of my brothers turned to alcohol and the other one became super religious. None of those options worked for me. Funny how we all have our own way of working these things out.

Now, there are many more reasons that I run.

1) When I am running, I feel ALIVE! Running makes me feel connected to my body and spirit.

2) I run because it allows me to connect with other people. My best friends are runners. These friendships extend way beyond the road and race course!

3) I like to feel strong.

4) I like to cook and eat.

5) I like to watch the sunrise.

6) I am a goal oriented person. So, I like to work to achieve. Running is perfect for that!

7) I need some alone time so I can be the best wife and mother I can be.

8) Running is the best stress reliever.

9) I love to buy shoes

My career is pretty competitive. I need a way to escape from the competitiveness. I like to push myself in races, but I find that if I start getting super competitive that I don't enjoy it as much.

I will run for cupcakes!!

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cplmtz0121

2,449 posts since
Nov 1, 2007

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10. Feb 13, 2008 6:50 AM

in response to: FormerBAM

Re: Why do you still run?

I run because I actually like it, it took me a while to realize this.

Because it keeps me from having to go on stupid diets.

Because like you said, it's amazing to see what the human body can do. Specially when you think you can't run 3 miles and next thing you know you've been running for 10-15-20 miles at a time and still feel good afterwards.

Because it's my escape from things that are pi$$ing me off, from stupid people, from sickness, from pretty much everything. I even use my time while running to pray, it's awesome.

Because I've also realized that it makes me happy and if I don't run I become an a$$hole...

Screw Jane Fonda!!!

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CityGirl08

5 posts since
Feb 12, 2008

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11. Feb 13, 2008 7:05 AM

in response to: Jimmy_D_Jarhead

Re: Why do you still run?

I love this thread and reading why others run.

I run because it's a great stress reliever and because I always feel better when I am running, no matter what is going on. I also run, because when I'm out and about on a beautiful day (like last Saturday, for those of us in the D.C. area) and I see other people running & looking so peaceful & free... well, I don't ever want to be that person again, who says, "I wish I could do that."

By the way- happy belated birthday Jimmy! We were born in the same month. (Mine is next week... ) Can't say I'll be running 38 miles- maybe 3.8. LOL

Happy Running everyone!

Susan

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staving off decrepitude

1,193 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

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12. Feb 13, 2008 9:06 AM

in response to: CityGirl08

Re: Why do you still run?

Thanks for starting a great thread Jimmy. I too get very cranky when I don't exercise, although the exercise doesn't have to be running. I also love biking and hiking. Very nearly every run has at least a few moments of bliss in it, and occaisionally I get lucky and most of the run is bliss! It feels good to run and feels good after the run. I like how people are impressed when they find out I run 5 miles, 10 miles, a marathon, or whatever they find out. I have moments of connection with the universe when I run that are hard to find when I'm not running. I like to be able to eat more than I would if I wasn't exercising (I can NEVER eat all I want though!) I like feeling fit and healthy. I like having options other than driving to get places. I like being able to chat with you folks. Those are some of my reasons to run. (Is this thread aimed at Sara by any chance?)

Chocolate is very nice.

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Jimmy_D_Jarhead

4,082 posts since
Dec 15, 2007

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13. Feb 13, 2008 9:16 AM

in response to: staving off decrepitude

Re: Why do you still run?

This thread is not directed at anyone besides myself. I have always been inspired more by normal efveryday people then by big names of famous people. I get a quote from runners world everyday and it usually has some sorta motivation in it. Well with this interesting group of runners on this sight I thought what better wat to get into peoples heads then with this one solitude question. I am enjoying reading the different responses and look forward to more.

I run because it makes me a better person. I get that alone time like Jesus to pray and reflect and mostly listen to my inner being or the Holy Spirit. I get that moment more often then not of total bliss like Lee. I get that escape to have time to learn how to deal with life or the absence thereof like CurlyJ. I like many on this thread enjoy running because I find it fun. I like running for many of the same reasons as others and now feel more connected. Keep responding to this question and allow me to be inspired.

Jimmy

"Lifes not the breaths you take but the moments that take your breath away."

~ King George (Strait)

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fishmagic

29 posts since
Oct 29, 2007

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14. Feb 13, 2008 12:14 PM

in response to: Jimmy_D_Jarhead

Re: Why do you still run?

1. My formative years involved running - school track team, the Marines.

2. I never want to be in the postion that I have to say I can't do something, because I'm not in shape.

3. I like to run.

4. And, I'm running the Boston Marathon in 10 weeks.

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