I Run Because...

Recently I joined Twitter—a free social messaging utility for staying connected in real-time. Basically, you message other twitterers by answering the question "What are you doing?" in 140 characters or less. My Twitter name is "RunnerDude_" and I've used the site to connect to my fellow runners, health nuts, and fitness buffs. On a member's homepage, there's a constant scroll of his fellow twitterers' comments. It's oddly mesmerizing to read how individuals feel about their runs and workouts or just their everyday routines. Reading about their various daily experiences in running, it got me to thinking about why people run in the first place. So, I twittered my fellow twitterers and asked them to finish the following statement, "I run because..." Below are their responses. The contributors' twitter names are at the end of the comments. If you're already on Twitter, look them up. If you're not yet a twitterer, consider joining. It's a great way to connect with fellow runners and others from all different walks of life.

I run...

• "because I am addicted to the post run euphoria." —npalefsky

• "because as cheesy as it sounds, it frees me—mentally, physically, spiritually." —ottovoss

• "because I like the shirt that says 'runners do it faster'." —RunnerHeidi

• "because it always makes me feel good. Even when the run doesn't. Weird huh?!?" —Lurtz

• "because it's the only time I'm truly alone with my thoughts, and I can work a lot of things out in my head." —clhennessey

• "because I love feeling fit, love burning calories, love the hi-tech clothes, love competing, and love winning the occasional age-group award!" —runner510

• "because I'm training for triathlons....IRONMAN" —SteadyState

• "because the law is after me and I gotta keep one step ahead. Oops, here comes the police now, gotta go" —itsDice

• "because it helps me realize my physical potential and I've met some amazing people through it!" —amlemus

• "because it is my peace! Listening to my breath, footsteps, music, my time. Love the challenge of adding miles. GOALS!" —tortaliz

• "because of the enjoyment, but also to try and lower my pace times to improve overall triathlon times." —kimokali

• "because it makes me a stronger person- inside and out. I run because it feels good. I run because I can." —alitherunner

• "because of the opportunity it gives me to set goals & challenge myself and hopefully to inspire others to do the same." —mawoolard

• "because it keeps me fit and sane. It provides me the solitude to think or not to think." —RunnerDude_

No Better Time Than the Present

Are you a non-runner? Have you been thinking about running but think you're too overweight, too old, or think you'll look funny in those little running shorts? Well stop thinking and just get out there. All runners, even the ones that look like Nike models, had to start at some point. And yes, they too felt awkward, clumsy and probably hurt like hell when they first started. But, rest assured that feeling soon passes when you see your goal of a fitter you becoming a reality. You don't have to be a Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Carl Lewis, Lolo Jones, or Usain Bolt in order to benefit from running.

Think you're too overweight? Think again. A friend of mine and fellow running buddy, Wayne, once was overweight. He's 38-years-old and has weighed as much as 220lbs. Before he started running, he weighed 205lbs. He's been running now for 2 years and his weight is down to an amazing 165lbs! Wayne ran his first marathon (The Outer Banks Marathon) last October and did it in 4:08! That's 18 minutes faster than my first marathon! What motivated Wayne to finally start running and lose weight? His desire to set a healthy lifestyle for his children, to be a better husband, the desire to eliminate a history of family medical problems, and a 40" waist. Joining nine of his friends and colleagues in a weight-lose challenge also gave him the motivation to start.

Think you're too old? Think again. The Runner's World article "Running Through the Ages" (March '08) shows how a runner's body strengths, weaknesses, and nutritional needs change over time. It profiles 14 runners aged 17 to 85. One thing that struck me about the senior runners, is the age at which many of them started running. 67-year-old Seiko Tamura started running at the age 44. John Keston (83-years-old), started running at age 55. Margaret Davis (85-years-old), started running in her late 70s. Margaret has run eight marathons (5:37 PR at age 80) and 11 half-marathons (2:42 PR at age 80). She says the best part of her running is that she gets people thinking, "If I she can do it, I can do it." I also once read about a lady who started running in her 70s. Her plan was to "add a mailbox each day." You see, each day she would run a little further by making it to the next mailbox in her neighborhood. Eventually she added enough mailboxes that she signed up for a triathlon!

Still need a little push to get you out there? Maybe the following 10 reasons for running will be just what you need.

1. Running helps you lose faster as well as maintain your weight once you've reached your goal weight. Few activities burn as many calories and burn them as quickly as when you run.
2. Running is great for your heart. Did you know that if you run 145 minutes a week, on average you decrease your chance of having a heart attack by 40%/ Sounds like a lot, but that's only 21 minutes of running a day or run a little longer every other day.
3. Running helps increase HDL cholesterol (the good kind).
4. Running helps boost the immune system.
5. Running helps fight the aging process by reducing bone and muscle loss that comes with growing older.
6. Running helps reduce stress.
7. Running is fairly cheap. The biggest investment will be a good pair of running shoes.
8. Running can be as personal or as social as you want it to be. There's an entire world of friendly welcoming runners eager to help you in your journey.
9. Running can be a great exercise for the whole family.
10. Running builds confidence.

Not sure where to start? Check with the local running clubs and/or running specialty stores in your community to see if they have any programs for beginning runners or try using The Runner's World 8-Week Beginners Running Program. This plan is designed to get you to the point of running 30 minutes (about 2 miles) at a slow pace. Once you get to that point, you'll be ready to increase your mileage by 10% per week.

Before making any changes to your normal routine, please consult with your physician.