Because I do
Why I run.
I don’t like when people ask me why I run. Actually, I don’t like when people ask me why I run when they say it with a look of disgust on their face. Couple that with, “I wish I was as skinny as you,” and I officially lose all interest in that person.
Running has always been something that I did. Why? I never wanted to ask myself that question. I just did it and I do it. And if ever there has been something steady and constant in my life, I would say it’s running. Why question something that has always been my shoulder to cry on?
I hesitated posting about this because it’s such a sensitive subject for me. And maybe I shouldn’t be so agitated when I am asked that question, but I know, deep down, it has been my cover for deep-rooted issues and pain and I’d rather avoid that… Well, tonight, not really doing much of anything except catching up on all my magazine subscriptions, I came across the “The Father Lode,” an article in this month’s issue of Runner’s World. I read it once and I cried. I read it again and cried. And then I read it again and decided I would open up a little. Of course my story is different, but I can relate to it on so many levels and so I will slowly share (part of) my story with you.
Trace B. 
Have you read Born To Run? If not, you must.
Don’t worry. You are among friends.
Oh, and I totally wish I were as skinny as you. 😛
February 1, 2010 at 9:09 pm
Someone very smart once told me that the passion to run fast comes from a deep-rooted desire to either run toward something or to run away from something. I hope you get a little inner peace from sharing your story!
February 1, 2010 at 9:45 pm
i think it obvious why you run…it’s written all over your face. 🙂 a running tracy is a happy tracy!
February 1, 2010 at 10:54 pm
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Trace, thanks for this. It gave me food for thought on my run today – and I ended up adding an intro to the post i had lined up for today, which was (weirdly coincidentally) about why I started running.
I’ll be following your story here and rooting for you!
February 2, 2010 at 9:00 am
“I don’t like when people ask me why I run when they say it with a look of disgust on their face.”
I wonder if that look of disgust is more of a “I wish I could do it too but I don’t know how” type face.
Obviously they don’t know the pure joy that is running. When I run I am free, if just for a little while. Am I running away from something? Sometimes. Absolutely. The stresses of the day that is adult life…running is a time when I just feel the joy of movement…it’s a beautiful thing.
Next time ask them why they don’t?
February 2, 2010 at 1:58 pm
I’ve had many thoughts about this post for the past couple days. I enjoyed running when I was young and lost it until a little over a year ago. I found it again and do it because I Love it.
It’s funny how many times you can hear the same question when you are running regularly; then, how absurd the questions/comments become when you enter a few races. In thinking of the constant “Why?”, I found myself remembering more of the supportive remarks and curious inquisitions.
It is an awesome task you are undertaking this year, and I find that very inspiring. Keep the positive in mind and always, thanks for sharing.
February 3, 2010 at 4:48 pm
I like that @luau…. I think they will be my new response: “Why DON’T you run?”! I bet a lot of responses will be ‘because it hurts’. Should I feel bad for that? No! If you don’t run, do something!
February 9, 2010 at 3:30 pm
We found a new topic!
February 9, 2010 at 5:38 pm