We all have our own reasons we run.   For some it’s to get in shape or lose some of those excess pounds.  For others it’s to relieve stress or serves as our therapy.  While others, it’s purely the competition.  For me it has been a combination of all of those things.  Lately though, because of some nagging injuries, I’ve found myself thinking about this topic a bit more.  And then I came across a story of a friend that really put everything back into perspective for me.

Laurie just finished the Colorado Marathon.  This was Laurie’s first marathon and she was so proud of her accomplishment, as well she should be!  She trained by herself, but did get some “words of wisdom” from experienced marathoners and of course lots of encouragement along the way from family and friends.  Laurie logged many of her training miles along the Santa Fe Trail.  I can relate to Laurie on this, because that’s how I first started out as well.

Following is Laurie’s account to a friend after just finishing the Colorado Marathon: “Thank you SO MUCH for your support - it touched me that you called with warm wishes for success.  And succeed I did!  I had a great time and I see why you are itching to run another one!  The weather was incredible (about 35 at start and 55 or 60 at the end).  The course was beautiful (I recommend you run it).  The support was great (except that I couldn't find the 21 mile flag and just before 22 I found the culprit taking the flags down and told him to stop it since the race was still going!).  And I finished before the course closed, which was my goal, 5:54:55 (a palindrome time!).  I TOLD you I was slow :D.  But I'm a finisher, and proud of myself for stepping out of my box and experiencing this.  I didn't mind at all that there was no cheering section for 16 miles -- it was so peaceful.  In fact, at the back of the pack, there were times when I wondered if I was still on the course because I couldn't see anyone behind or in front of me.  I did get a little teary though when I saw my husband at mile 17.  I placed 19th from last out of 1152 (they kept timing until 6:35hrs as it turned out), which is totally cool with me!  I sprinted at the end!  And then I cried from joy :). “

Does it get any better than that!  Me, I do still run because I enjoy the competition.  But reading Laurie’s description of her race, I realized it really isn’t purely just about the competition for me.  We all take joy in setting goals and working to achieve those goals whether it’s in running or in other areas of our life.  Laurie took me back to my first marathon and how proud I was that I had finished.  Whether you’re a front of the packer or finish “19^th from last out of 1152” runners, you still set a goal and strive to accomplish it!  Great job Laurie!  I’ve run many marathons since that first one and each one does provide that sense of accomplishment whether it’s a PR or I finish well off the pace.  Those nagging injuries has slowed my pace these days, but like Laurie, I can’t wait to do my next marathon.  First, however, there’s the upcoming Garden of the Gods 10-miler which is such a spectacular race!

So, why do you run?