Why Do I Run?

The question reverberated in my head today after a conversation inside the bookstore today. I was spending some time browsing the new releases and was pulled into a discussion about the weather with the shopkeep. Throughout the exchange it came out that I was a runner and that tomorrow morning I was running yet another race. Her response to this fact was so thought provoking on my end. I’ve never actually considered that what we do is so obscure to the general masses…why would anyone get out of bed at 6AM on their first day off of the week to go run in sub-freezing temperatures with snow and rain for “fun”. So I thought to myself why do I do this? Why do I run? Why did I choose to see the locations that surround me with my feet instead of any other vehicle?

The answer to this question is one that I cannot fully give as it is ever-evolving; the more that I run the more reasons I discover to continue running. The most important lesson that running has taught me is that you will get back tenfold what you’re willing to put out if your gesture is genuine. I have always been running to some degree but it wasn’t serious until I became welcomed into the BridgeRunner crew. It was here that for the first time since my New York adventure began that I truly felt as though I was able to put down firm roots and call this city home…with confidence. The people that make up the face of BridgeRunners are a truly unique bunch each adding their own elements into the mix. The amount of dedication, love, passion, and determination that exudes from this bunch on their every run is breathtaking. We are not a running group…we’re a running family. I am so fortunate to be included in this and only hope that any and all runners are able to experience something of the sort.

Running, in many aspects, is representative of life. If you stay still, you’ll never get anywhere. But if you challenge yourself and push your limits, the opportunities that provide themselves to you are infinite. From these past few months I’ve realized the true value of hard work and dedication…I’ve come to acknowledge the potential that lies within…I’ve come to realize that regardless the size of the hill that I am able to conquer it…and that each time I do, I’m just going to get stronger and faster…I’ve realized that goals are meant to be erected only to be hurdled over and to continually lure you towards “the next thing”…I’ve realized that it’s not just about having the courage to step to the starting line but about finishing the race with your head held high regardless of the outcome…I’ve realized that without running I wouldn’t feel nearly as alive as I do.

To every runner that reads this I ask you…why do you run?