Not in the beginning but you'll fall into it eventually

There are a number if reasons I run.

The fact that it's something I can afford is a big one. I enjoy exercising and keeping fit but can't afford to join a gym or go to classes and stuff.

It increases my fitness and stamina which was something I wanted to do, but does it doing something I've always enjoyed doing. As someone else said - you can achieve that doing many things so if you don't like running it does seem a silly thing to do. For me running has always been somewhat relaxing and calming. I know it helps keep me feeling calmer and more level. Stronger and more able to cope.

I also run because I like a challenge and it's such an easy thing to keep setting new challenges in. I'll admit I often let life get in the way in the past but I still keep coming back to running because it works for me on so many levels. Now that I've realised again and put some thought into it I've figured out that I slip a little on the accountabilty so I've set better goals for myself and challenges. I'm going to vary my runs a bit more, increase my distance and start doing some races - because running really does just keep me level and happy - which when it comes down to it is the main reason I do it

LMWEL wrote:

 

"... running and I have a love-hate relationship . Sometimes I love running and it loves me . Sometimes, running and I don't get along so well ."

Totally have this going on too. I sometimes start out a run wanting to stop before I even start and have an internal conflict between "lazy me" and "runner me" because they dont like each other:  "I dont want to",  "You have to",  "No I don't", "well, you should", "but i'm tired"  "so just run a mile or 2"  "I'm walking in between"  "you"ll get done sooner if you don't"  "Fine no walking, but I dont like it"  "JUST DO IT DAMN IT"  "FINE, BUTTASS!!!"  next thing I know I'm running 6-9 miles and I am enjoying the sights and sounds and feeling great and loving the sweat dripping down my back and the tingle in my legs and then I LOVE running again

only increase your distance 10% a week. Mix up your workouts, try intervals, stairs, 800m repeats this will help improve your speed and break the monotony. I find races motivate me to improve run a few 5k's as training runs before the 10k. hang in there it gets easier

I started running because walking started feeling too slow. I guess you could say I gave in to the running instinct, although in my case it's more of a waddling instinct as I'm not a fast runner, lol.

This past summer my last child went off to school and I decided I really needed to start exercising regularily. I started on the Wii Fit, then added walking and other things. Then I joined Weight Watchers online and lost almost 30 pounds and sometime in December started having a strange urge to run while on my walks. I signed up for the C25K program but couldn't figure out how to time myself while running/walking so I just started running and the rest is history. I just ran my first 5K last weekend and I'm really enjoying it! I still do other forms of exercise as well, and can't wait to start swimming in our neighborhood pool, so I can't say I run just for exercise as I have other options. I do like the way it makes me feel afterwards though, no doubt about that.

I run because:

a) it's not something that I have to worry too much about "coming in last".

b) I can eat how I eat and not worry about gaining any more weight

c) I am healthier now that I was for a decade of my life when my medication was wiping me out.

d) I like cheese

e) I LOVE the way I feel after racing--can't race without training.

I have turned a few of my runs into 'recreational runs'. i.e. I stop to smell the flowers or enjoy the view (sometimes take pics via the cell phone) and then pull myself back into the run.

I've always enjoyed running in the open air --I hated track since it was just running a circle.  I like the openness of runs and being healthy.

AND, I have to say, after hearing the stories coming out of Japan about people carrying others on their back when disaster struck, I have to wonder how many of my fellow family members or friends would be able to do that. I don't even think I coudl carry hubby and he has slight scoliiosis, so not sure he could carry me either.  Either way, to begin with, one has to be in good physical shape, which is what I'm striving to reach.