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_