Why I Run

It's been almost 20 years since I first started to run. As I look back, it's interesting to see how my motivation and reason to run has changed over the years.

I came to running later in life. I was always active as a kid and played a lot of sport, but running was something that only came around once in a while. I was good at it but never got the chance to really run, so when I got the chance later in life, I found it came naturally, and I loved it.

When I first started running, I loved to race. I got a buzz out of being able to compete against other runners and race for my personal bests. The races I ran were in my hometown, usually only 4 or 5 kilometers long, but I loved the fast pace and the thrill of the chase. I had no idea about training and improving my skills which was clear when I tried to run further or faster.

As I moved into adulthood I ran to escape a toxic situation. I was in a relationship that left me anxious, low in confidence and with little self esteem. Running became my escape. There was little time for me to run, so I would use it as a way to get to work and home again. I would sneak in a quick run when ever I could, almost as a guilty pleasure, never wanting anyone to know how much I enjoyed what seemed like a holiday from the real world.

When I left that situation, running then allowed me to see the world. I was no longer limited by time, so I ran as much as I could. I entered marathons and ran distances that I never thought I was capable of. I travelled for races and met people with a similar mindset to me and who enjoyed the same things as me. I learnt that running would let you see things that you would otherwise miss. I could run through the city while it was still asleep, I could climb hills which would take me above the clouds, and I would see the sun rise more times in a month than someone would see in their lifetime.

Life still isn't perfect but at least I’ve learnt not to deny myself of something that is so positive, and I look forward to see what else running will bring me in this life.