Why I Love Running

About one week ago, one of my MFP friends decided to have a short essay contest. The topic was "Why I Love Running" and the essay was limited to 300 words. OMG 300 words to describe my favorite activity in the world... not sure its possible. I toiled over my essay and below are the results. 

I am happy to report that it took first place in the contest!! :) Thanks TopsKing2010! 

Why I Love Running 

When asked to write about why I love running, many different ideas came to mind. Sure, I could talk about how nothing is better than the solitude of a 10 mile run on a Saturday morning on the trail, or the feeling I get when I cross a finish line after a big race, or how awesome I feel to say the words “I’m a runner” and not have to giggle or feel like a liar … but instead I will just say simply… 

I love running because I never thought I could do it. Running reminds me that nothing in this world is impossible as long as I work at it and believe in myself. You see, even when I was a thin teenager, I was never an athlete. I was that skinny girl who got winded running a lap around the gym. I have clear memories of feeling like I was going to die during the mile run-walk and finishing in DEAD last in my class. 

Yet, many pounds heavier and many years older here I am running half marathons (eight this year) and still ready for more. The first day I tried running about 1 ½ years ago, I thought I was going to die during that first 30 second interval – it was hard! But what I wasn’t prepared for was that overwhelming feeling of accomplishment when I finished that workout. I have never felt that feeling of pride with any other exercise prior, only with running. 

Trust me; I am far from an elite athlete. But with running it’s not about how fast you are – it’s about finishing. Running has inspired me to eat healthy and make good choices, not because I want to lose weight, but because every good choice makes me a better runner.