I’ve been a hardcore runner for over 11 years now, and it started out as something for fitness, that after day one – evolved into a passion. I can honestly say that from the second day of “trying to get fit” when I first entered college, I went from day one of working out on an elliptical – and thinking, “There is no way I can do this.” – to the very next day, hopping on a treadmill to try something else – and I knew from that first day forward: running was FOR ME.
So how did I know? The absolute first thing that comes to mind?
Because I LOVE TO RUN. No excuses. I don’t even think about it. It’s 100% pure dedication and love for the sport. I literally stood on my first treadmill 11 years ago, and when I finished my first run (for fitness at that point) – I knew I was golden. It was like the time I was running – ceased to exist – it was that intense. A blurb that just got passed so quick – I didn’t even realize it.
And why so many miles (10+ a day)?
Because I CAN.
Just thinking about running – gets my heart rate up. Running GIVES me energy. Running makes me feel ALIVE; spiritually, mentally, and physically. Running calms the thoughts in my head. Running helps me disappear into a world where no one else exists but the run and me. I do it for myself. Running – of and in itself – gives me the motivation to keep running. It exists to keep me existing. I run the most mileage I can every day – because I know I can. No excuses. I love running in it’s purest form – no time, no finish ribbon, no entry fees, no cliques or groupies – just the path ahead and my feet on the ground.
Because I can’t see myself doing any other sport. Not swimming, not elliptical, not volleyball, not softball – not even WALKING.
I. Am. A. Runner.
Period.
And the best part? If I walked into a gym, a mall, or any other public place – perhaps passing you running on the street? You’d never know. Well, except for my physique. I don’t have the “26.2 been there, done that” T-shirt. Or “this race” T-shirt. Because running is personal for me; a good word to define it would be: spiritual. It’s my time with the most private person within myself. Maybe that’s what the “runner’s high” truly is. A Kundalini-like experience, delving into my own personal form of running nirvana.
In one word, running helps me – TRANSCEND.
