For the Love of the Run

Why do you run?

It’s the same answer all the time: because it’s something that is mine and mine alone.  It’s what makes me feel peaceful, alive, and free.  It’s the only time that I engage with all of myself to do something for no one else but myself.  And even though I know that not everyone can understand, I assume that eventually, they will relate in some way and be inspired to do something amazing with their own body and strength.  Even if it has nothing to do with running.

Do you remember the last time you were amazed at yourself?  Truly amazed, I mean.  From the pit of your stomach to the back of your brain to every millimeter of skin on your body.  I felt this way when I ran my first mile.  And I felt it again and again and again as I achieved new distances including my first marathon.  Do you remember the last time you worked with heart, brain, body, imagination, spirit, strength, fear, hope, might and faith all at once?  What else can you do that no one else can take credit for?  No teacher, no mentor, no coach can run the miles for you.  No inspiring quotes or motivational videos can propel you forward.  No instructor can guide you through those doubtful, painful moments.  No promise of reward, no words of praise or approval can make your muscles work for miles and miles.  It can only happen when you decide you want it to.  Like many other athletic feats, you get what you give to your commitment.  What would happen if you poured every ounce of your existence into something that you and only you could make happen?

Every reason to put off giving yourself and your goals 100% is only an excuse to stay in your comfort zone.  When was the last time you gave all of your energy and mental strength to something when the end reward would belong to only you?  When was the last time you poured with sweat, ached with determination, and achieved a goal?  When was the last time you did these things and finished with the regret of not having stayed in bed or not getting up from the couch?  Trade your business, your laziness, your sadness, your hopelessness for triumph.  Do you know what triumph feels like?  Imagine it.  And go and get it.  No one will care where you start or how slow you need to go when you begin.  No one will remember how ridiculous you think you look when you get out there.  No one will say “it’s too late” or “why bother” when you are slowly building endurance and stamina.  But I promise, it will mean EVERYTHING to you if you keep your commitment to yourself and work toward your goal every day.

For The Love Of The Run has a singular mission: to inspire anyone and everyone to do what our bodies were created to do: run. It is our hope that through running, you will find the peace, freedom, joy, strength, and contentment that already exists within you.  We truly believe that anyBODY can run and we would love to feature your running biography in our newly launchedAnyBody Runners section.  We love hosting great giveaways and opportunities to try and review productsfrom our sponsors.  Wait ’til you see our running shoe review section that we will be launching soon.

I would be honored if you joined us as a follower.  Take your place in our facebook and twitter communities.  Whether you run one block or one hundred miles- whether you run crazy fast or super slow- whether you run all the time or once in awhile- you belong here.  Join us.