5 Reasons I Run: 31 Days to Building a Better Blog, Day 2

This post is part of 31 Days to Building a Better Blog. Our assignment today is to make a "List" post. I love lists, so I'm all for it. Here are the top 5 reasons I like to run:


1. Weight loss
I want to look like this girl:

Well, thankfully, that's not the *only* reason I run, because I could get very frustrated. Maybe I should settle for this girl:

Honestly, it's so much more than just fitness....


2. Setting/ Reaching Goals
I was a big group exercise/home video exerciser for years. I still do most of my workouts at home to videos. I have quite the selection of weights, and my own pull-up bar as well! I always enjoy those workouts, but I need a bigger goal. With running, I'm always working on a bigger goal: run further, run faster, run more efficiently... and I don't believe in junk miles (not yet, anyway).


3. Leaving the House
Seriously. When I try to workout at home, I almost always get interrupted. People (including the grownups) don't realize that Mommy is off-limits during a workout. However, when I go running, they can't find me. That was my biggest motivator after my second child was born. It's a little more challenging sometimes since I do need someone to watch the kids while I run... but once I get out there, I have a little bit of freedom...

4. Races/Community

There's a certain kind of person who is a runner. It's a lifestyle. When runners see each other on the street, we nod to each other. Runners are friendly (unless you're walking slowly in their way). I've made friends that I see at the local races. Oh, did I mention races? LOVE them. I would race every weekend if I could. Big races (like the Country Music), small races (like See Spot Run)... I love them all. The energy, the excitement, and who doesn't like people cheering for you when you run? 

5. Runner's High

"Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't shoot their husbands, they just don't."

- Elle Woods, Legally Blonde (2001)

I wrote a bit about this the other day. Apparently, this is a real thing, and not completely in my head.  I am starting to crave the runner's high like an addict. But, I suppose, there are worse things to be addicted to..

So there's a basic rundown (ha! "rundown"!) of why I run. It is hard. I have some pretty awful runs. It's hard to get out there. There is pain. But, when I wonder if it's worth it, I think about this list. 

Yes, it so totally is.

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