Why Do You Run?

So you've been running, say, for months, or, in years. No longer a newbie that you were then. And may be have been running and joining races more often, or, are looking forward to races scheduled this year. I quote from my previous entry.

RUNNING ... it's painful, tedious and most of all, exhausting. It goes beyond the physical benefits.

Every runner has a goal. Your goals might be the same, or, different from mine. Some run with these goals in mind...

To be physically fit.
To run a half or full marathon.
To be one of the elites.
To finish an international marathon.
To improve speed.
To develop endurance.
To lose weight.
To stay healthy.
To relieve stress.
To meditate.
To run with my crush. Ahem!
Et cetera. Et cetera. La la la.
Endless goals!

Why is it necessary to have goals? For two reasons. First, goals give you focus. Second, they give you direction. I have encountered some runners who were a little lost why they were into running in the first place. "What is your goal?" This is the question I always ask from them but sometimes they can't give me a clear answer. Since it wasn't clear to them, they became frustrated with running. Instead of it being a fun activity, it became a chore, a boring chore. Since it's no fun at all, they eventually stopped running.

Focus. Without focus, it's difficult to achieve something. Focus adds spice to this delectable addiction called running. Even if there are distractions, focus gives one a clear direction.

Direction. To achieve a goal is easy. It becomes difficult when one has no ability on how to sustain it. Okey, so you've finish your 5k race, etc. What's next? Whether we achieve or did not achieve our goals, we need to reexamine them.

Don't worry about the destination; keep your eye on the ball in the present with what you can do now. Do something every day to move a little closer to your objective. - Principle No. 6, The Basics of Success

Why do I run?

Running...

It's painful, tedious and most of all, exhausting. It goes beyond the physical benefits. The intense exhilaration and euphoria that comes after finishing a run is what motivates me most. My practice runs gave me a wonderful and rewarding experience.

I have continued to run, recreationally and competitively, and have even won some awards including a cash award for winning first place. It's not much but I was happy with it.

I believe running is not about who can run the farthest and the fastest. I've known some runners who are seriously training. I congratulate them for their dedication and for their passion for it. Some have set a quite impressive personal record (PR). Good for them!

As for me, I will run for the sake of keeping in shape.
Running is still, as what my blog says, a quest for self mastery.

How about you? Why do you run?