When someone comes up to me and asks me "why I run," I really do not have any specific answer to it...The obvious health reasons and helping to clear my mind are usually my common answers, but what really drives some people to running is astonishing and can be very inspirational. Running for a "CAUSE" is one of the best reasons to start running. Runners World magazine always has amazing articles that highlight various reasons why people run. Reasons such as raising money for Cancer Research because a family member is suffering, raising money for Scholarship Funds, Support the Troops Causes, and the list can go on and on... I have not yet brought myself to running for one specific cause, but each and every race that I do usually supports some well deserving charity and the race entry fees (though they have become higher over the years) really go to help the community in which I live.
Running for a cause is something that can get people started into running or to change running goals. People who start out to help others truly amaze me. I began running because of what it could do for me (get me in shape for soccer); not even considering what my running could do for others less fortunate around me. Even big races have gotten involved in various causes and supports for those who are in need or in service to others. For example, The Peachtree Road Race on July 4th in Atlanta branched out in 2008 (and maybe other years) to give those who were not able to make the race a chance to run it. I personally have never run the Peachtree Road race, but my brother has... PEACHTREE IRAQ 2008. The fact that the race sponsors were aware of our military personnel not being able to attend and taking the race to them absolutely amazed me. I thank the sponsors of that race for giving my brother an opportunity of a lifetime while serving his country in Iraq.
If you don't get out the door to run for your benefit, get out the door to run for someone elses. Run for the children who are sufferring from various ailments who would give anything to run just 100 meters, run for the soldiers who come home wounded both physically and emotionally, run for your kids schools, or for the charity of your choice. Some of us do not have a lot of money to donate to causes, but we have time and dedication that would make up for any amount of money in the world. Just think if you wanted to run a marathon to support cancer research because someone close to you is sufferring from the disease, you could sign up for a cancer research funding race and get sponsors from friends and family members. I think my running for a cause will be for cardiomyopathy research (my father is sufferring from this ailment).
Whatever the cause, get out there and run and show the world you care, show them how one person can make a difference in the lives of hundreds. Who would think that doing something so unselfish could benefit oneself so much (health and otherwise).
Run On! Run for a cause...
Friday, August 28, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Reason for Running #7 --- Competition
One problem that many people face when they decide to begin running is the idea of racing...or any competition. Most believe that they are not capable of completing a 5k road race, much less placing well in one. Unfortunately with professional sports hypes like Bolt and Goucher, we more novice runners feel intimidated. I for one would never come close to beating either one of them in a race (No I am not afraid to admit that Kara Goucher, a female, can completely demolish my butt in a marathon and probable every other distance). But we need not be afraid of a little competition here and there when it comes to running. Believe it or not (See Goals or Motivation Blog) competition can really boost our self esteem (though sometimes hurt it) and keep us on a running to stay healthy plan.
Competition comes in a variety of forms and I would never be able to talk about all of them in just one blog. Who knows, maybe I will get more in depth into some of these in later blogs. First and foremost the competition should be internal. The only person that you have influence during a race is YOU! Tripping a fellow competitor aside of course... You can sign up for a local 5k easily within 30 days of starting to run. That 5k is a starting point for you and your competitive running career. You may not finish 1st overall, but you will be pleasantly surprised at the outcome. You are racing a clock, not the person next to you. Keep in mind, though that with each race you do and improve, you will not always have better times. The U.S. 10k is not my P.R. race for that distance, but in 2002 (I think, maybe 03), it was the absolute best race that I have ever completed. Competition with the clock, how you feel during a run, how well you recover...All are what should be looked at when it comes to competing.
Now with the clock and yourself aside, it is always fun to compete with others in running. It gives you a chance to prove to yourself that you can do something. My brother and I have had some pretty friendly running competitions with eachother over the years. When he started out running, I was at my best, and he was just not quite in the shape he use to be (though he could out sprint me any day of the week, as well as kick my butt at basketball, if we ever actually completed a game without a brotherly fight). So for quite some time he was several minutes behind me in races that we did together. However, over the years that margin got smaller and smaller until he finally beat me. He even had me beat at our Alaska marathon, which I felt I was more prepared for then he was, but I just could not let that happen, so I busted my butt to catch up to him (we ultimately finished that one together, though he is credited on the results page as being in front). Once he beat me, the chase was on in the other direction with me trying to run him back down (yes I was able to, but the margin of difference between the two of us really is not that large anymore). The competition has kept us going at it when I know for a fact I have wanted to quit lots of times, and I could only guess that he has. Plus we have the friendly trash talk and bragging rights till the next race of course, but all in fun.
Competition, though it can be stressful, is a very rewarding aspect of being a runner and I would recommend to anyone who wants to run, to get out there and compete, don't just "run."
Run On! Competition will drive you....
Competition comes in a variety of forms and I would never be able to talk about all of them in just one blog. Who knows, maybe I will get more in depth into some of these in later blogs. First and foremost the competition should be internal. The only person that you have influence during a race is YOU! Tripping a fellow competitor aside of course... You can sign up for a local 5k easily within 30 days of starting to run. That 5k is a starting point for you and your competitive running career. You may not finish 1st overall, but you will be pleasantly surprised at the outcome. You are racing a clock, not the person next to you. Keep in mind, though that with each race you do and improve, you will not always have better times. The U.S. 10k is not my P.R. race for that distance, but in 2002 (I think, maybe 03), it was the absolute best race that I have ever completed. Competition with the clock, how you feel during a run, how well you recover...All are what should be looked at when it comes to competing.
Now with the clock and yourself aside, it is always fun to compete with others in running. It gives you a chance to prove to yourself that you can do something. My brother and I have had some pretty friendly running competitions with eachother over the years. When he started out running, I was at my best, and he was just not quite in the shape he use to be (though he could out sprint me any day of the week, as well as kick my butt at basketball, if we ever actually completed a game without a brotherly fight). So for quite some time he was several minutes behind me in races that we did together. However, over the years that margin got smaller and smaller until he finally beat me. He even had me beat at our Alaska marathon, which I felt I was more prepared for then he was, but I just could not let that happen, so I busted my butt to catch up to him (we ultimately finished that one together, though he is credited on the results page as being in front). Once he beat me, the chase was on in the other direction with me trying to run him back down (yes I was able to, but the margin of difference between the two of us really is not that large anymore). The competition has kept us going at it when I know for a fact I have wanted to quit lots of times, and I could only guess that he has. Plus we have the friendly trash talk and bragging rights till the next race of course, but all in fun.
Competition, though it can be stressful, is a very rewarding aspect of being a runner and I would recommend to anyone who wants to run, to get out there and compete, don't just "run."
Run On! Competition will drive you....
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Reason for Running #6 --- Stress Relief
Each and every day people suffer from various stresses. Stress from work, spouses and children, speeding tickets, traffic, etc. I do not believe I have ever met someone that says they live a stress free life. Though I have met some who have found ways to cope with these everyday stresses. Sadly some people cope by means of drugs and alcohol, others through various stages of depression and solidarity. More positive methods of coping deal with turning to God (or high being of ones choosing), meditating, talking with people, reading, writing, and running...Yes! That is right I said "RUNNING."
Running is a method that I personally use, not saying I don't include some of the others, but running gives me a chance to be alone with my thoughts and to really dive deep into whatever might be stressing me on that given day or week, or sometimes even stresses that sit with me for over a year. I guess running is my form of meditating. It will allow you time away from the hustle and bussle of a busy day at work or around the house. Sometimes if you are lucky with having trails to run, you will be able to get away from exhaust fumes and become enthralled with the nature surrounding you. Seeing squirrels hunt for nuts, and deer just grazing (or whatever it is deer do), birds chirping as you go by, and the occasional snake (watch out for those), allows for you to think about the joys and the beauty in the world.
Recently my stress level went up about 10 times the amount it has been in a year and I started to pull myself away from the world initially, thinking of course that it was something I needed to go at alone; not taking into consideration that I have family and friends who are and will always be there for me through thick and thin, but from Thursday to Sunday, I could not even bring myself to get out the door for a run; finally on Sunday morning while having a typical sleepless night (or morning) I kind of forced myself out the door with my running shoes on and I was able to really consider what it was that was bothering me and how I would go about handling it with the help of my family and friends (not alone). The running that morning did me good and it gave me a relief that I was in much need of, though it did not solve any problems, the running helped to give me a more positive outlook on what lies ahead.
So next time life throws you a curve ball and things seem to be overwhelming you, look to running as a way to get away and think about things in a relaxing setting.
Run On! Leave the stress behind...
Running is a method that I personally use, not saying I don't include some of the others, but running gives me a chance to be alone with my thoughts and to really dive deep into whatever might be stressing me on that given day or week, or sometimes even stresses that sit with me for over a year. I guess running is my form of meditating. It will allow you time away from the hustle and bussle of a busy day at work or around the house. Sometimes if you are lucky with having trails to run, you will be able to get away from exhaust fumes and become enthralled with the nature surrounding you. Seeing squirrels hunt for nuts, and deer just grazing (or whatever it is deer do), birds chirping as you go by, and the occasional snake (watch out for those), allows for you to think about the joys and the beauty in the world.
Recently my stress level went up about 10 times the amount it has been in a year and I started to pull myself away from the world initially, thinking of course that it was something I needed to go at alone; not taking into consideration that I have family and friends who are and will always be there for me through thick and thin, but from Thursday to Sunday, I could not even bring myself to get out the door for a run; finally on Sunday morning while having a typical sleepless night (or morning) I kind of forced myself out the door with my running shoes on and I was able to really consider what it was that was bothering me and how I would go about handling it with the help of my family and friends (not alone). The running that morning did me good and it gave me a relief that I was in much need of, though it did not solve any problems, the running helped to give me a more positive outlook on what lies ahead.
So next time life throws you a curve ball and things seem to be overwhelming you, look to running as a way to get away and think about things in a relaxing setting.
Run On! Leave the stress behind...
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Reason for Running #5 --- Versatility
Not many people would look out at a group of runners and say "Wow! Now that looks fun," but then again, not many people understand that running has so many avenues to explore. Runners can run in all types of weather, they can run pretty much in any location (I recommend avoiding malls and such, someone may think you stole something), they can run on vacation, at a beach, in the woods, through city streets. Running is pretty much limitless with the different areas that one is able to participate in the sport. Also racing brings up many chances to meet new people, to measure progress, and just enjoy being out there with people who love the sport of running.
When I started running, I was a Junior in high school and did so because my soccer coach thought it would be a good way for us to stay in shape during the fall. Initially I thought the idea was pretty crazy, but figured why not, I am not currently doing a sport in the fall, so I will give it a shot. I found that I could easily lose myself in a run through the trails, or in a nearby neighborhood, so much so that I was amazed at the miles I was covering without realizing that I had gone so far. Anyone of any size, shape, and athletic ability can start running (of course consult a doctor before starting any strenuous exercise plan, covering my butt with that one). When you start, don't go out there and try to sprint for a mile (won't happen), or run 10 miles (also pretty unlikely), just get out and enjoy the scene, change it up, get off the treadmill (Nordic Trac won't like that one) and get outside. Once you begin running, you will be surprised at how much better you feel, how less stressed you are, and how happy those 20 to 90+ minutes can make you. It is your chance to do something for yourself, and the options are limitless.
Run On! Test the limits of the run...
When I started running, I was a Junior in high school and did so because my soccer coach thought it would be a good way for us to stay in shape during the fall. Initially I thought the idea was pretty crazy, but figured why not, I am not currently doing a sport in the fall, so I will give it a shot. I found that I could easily lose myself in a run through the trails, or in a nearby neighborhood, so much so that I was amazed at the miles I was covering without realizing that I had gone so far. Anyone of any size, shape, and athletic ability can start running (of course consult a doctor before starting any strenuous exercise plan, covering my butt with that one). When you start, don't go out there and try to sprint for a mile (won't happen), or run 10 miles (also pretty unlikely), just get out and enjoy the scene, change it up, get off the treadmill (Nordic Trac won't like that one) and get outside. Once you begin running, you will be surprised at how much better you feel, how less stressed you are, and how happy those 20 to 90+ minutes can make you. It is your chance to do something for yourself, and the options are limitless.
Run On! Test the limits of the run...
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