What is National Running Day you ask?
From the National Running Day website:
“National Running Day, held annually on the first Wednesday in June, is a day when runners everywhere declare their passion for running. Wherever we are and whomever we’re with, we run—fast or slow, alone or with others, all over town or just around the block. It is a coast-to-coast celebration of a sport and activity that’s simple, inexpensive, and fun. It’s the perfect way for longtime runners to reaffirm their love of running and for beginners to kick off a lifetime and life-changing commitment.”
This is only the second Running Day that I’ve participated in. And by participated I mean, aware of and went out for a run. I ran four miles this morning. It wasn’t my fastest four, but I went out and did it and that’s all that matters.
My journey as a runner began almost four years ago when I started hashing. A lot of hashers run races and eventually the peer pressure caught up to me. My first race ever was the 2009 San Antonio Rock ‘n Roll Half Marathon. I somehow convinced my parents to do it with me. With very little training, I completed the race in 3:16. At the beginning of the race, I was convinced this is something I would never do again, but once I got in the car I asked my parents when we were signing up for the next one.
To date, I have done 10 half marathons. TEN! That number even surprises me. Last week I signed up for my first full marathon. (Ok, so technically second, but I ended up just doing the half in New Orleans this year because I chickened out.) I have done a handful of 10Ks, 8Ks and other random mile races, but I love the half marathon distance. At some point the running isn’t about the physical activity, but the mental one. Do I have the physical strength to run 13.1 miles? Yes, but having the mental strength is a completely different story.
Running has provided me with an extra bit of confidence that I didn’t know I was missing. It has given me an excuse to travel to new places. It has strengthened old friendships and provided me with new ones. It’s a great way to start the day. It’s a great way to clear my head.
I run because of all these things.
First image via.
