Tuesday, February 14, 2017

Running, How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Share 9 Ways that You May Not Have Considered

Why do we love to run?

Some of us run for fitness or weight loss, some for stress relief. Others run because they love to race or to collect bling. But there might be other reasons to love running that you may not have considered.

For Valentine's Day, it seemed appropriate to share my love for running. Besides the obvious reasons, I've got a few others that make running hold a special place in my heart.




1. I love running clothes. I have more running clothes than I need and I keep buying more. Because, the tights. The singlets. The half zips. The skirts. I've got black and I've got neon. Warm weather gear and polar vortex gear. I've also got a pretty impressive sock collection that broke my dresser drawer. Some may even call me obsessed. My husband won't fix the drawer until I pare down my lot. There it sits in the middle of my bedroom. Silver lining: it does give me easy access to all my socks.


2. Running is hard and I love that it has conditioned me to ignore all the little aches and pains that I get from time to time. I also tend to ignore illness, unless I'm so sick that I can't run. Then I know it's a "real illness". When I was diagnosed with RA, my doctor ran through a list of symptoms with me. Reflecting back, I had been feeling those symptoms for a while. It wasn't until the dramatic big toe flare that I was forced to seek medical attention. I couldn't walk, much less run, which was a sign I needed to pay attention to it.


3. I love that running has taught me not to take myself so seriously. I sing out loud when I'm running. I stop to take selfies and do yoga poses in public places. I love that I can write a post about a portapotty disaster and no one shames me. At least to my face, that is.


4. I love that I earned the right to put a 26.2 sticker on my car. Oh sure, 100 miles is the new 26.2. In reality, when you consider that less than 0.1% of all Americans ran and finished a marathon last year, 26.2 is still an accomplishment worthy of a car magnet.


5. I love running because it keeps me young. Maybe I can't run as fast as my sons, but in general, I can keep up with them. You know my motto, "because sitting on the sidelines is no fun"? I came up with that way before I was a blogger when I saw a mom who was watching her kids SUP on the water. My boys and I were finishing up our time on the water and from the bench she was sitting on, she commented on how I seemed to be having as much fun as them. Isn't that the idea?

And then there's this...
6. I love wearing my finisher medal the day after I finish a race. Some call it douchey but you know what? I earned it and I'm proud of it. Of course, after Big Sur, the bartender complimented me on my "necklace"...

Best "necklace" ever
7. I love connecting with other runners on social media and in real life. We runners are a special group. Non-runners don't get us. That's why need each other. We blog about running and we post our escapades all over social media. When we get together, we get to talk about running non-stop.

We spent the entire weekend together and never ran out of things to talk about! 
8. I love running no matter where I am. I love that I can pack my shoes and an outfit and just go. I love that I'm conditioned to be able to run. Running is an adventure and it's so much fun exploring new running routes.


Running Lady Bird trail in Austin with my sister
9. Most of all, I love being known as "the runner" to my friends, family, and co-workers. Running is part of who I am and I wouldn't want it any other way.

Yes, I've run this road to the Washington Island ferry in Door County Wisconsin
What do you love most about running? Happy Valentines' Day!

with apologies to Elizabeth Barrett Browning.

I'm linking up with Marcia, Erika, and Patty for Tuesdays on the Run; Debbie, Susie, Rachel, and Lora for Coaches Corner, and Nicole, Annemarie, and Jen for Wild Workout Wednesday!




90 comments :

  1. If I were to attempt to make a list of all the things I love about running, it would be endless....I'm so incredibly thankful I discovered the magic of lacing up the shoes and hitting the road ;-)

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  2. I've already made numerous lists about why I love running (yes, you can love something & sometimes hate it too, really!).

    I do love that it lets me eat a little more. :)

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    1. I can't say that I hate running at all. There might be bad runs or injuries, but it just makes me long for the good runs.

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  3. So much to love about running!!! I love my 26.2 sticker and wearing medals on race day too :-). Anyone who thinks it's douchy can just go away! lol!

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  4. Great ones and I agree with all of them! I'm known as "the runner" as well and I love that too. When I go somewhere new, I always plan to explore it on foot. Running is my favorite :-)

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  5. I think you've mentioned all my reasons. I feel younger than when before I was a runner. I love when I see in a race how many women I beat that are younger than me - Yes, I know, how shallow?

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    1. Not at all! At a race I ran in 2015, I ran neck and neck with another woman. So of course, I looked up her age. 25! Yep!

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  6. I love running simply because I CAN. Having started in my 50s, I'm not and never am going to be the fastest, but I've got drive and endurance so I get the job done! So glad you are continuing to do what you love, like a rock star, no less!

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    1. You never know--once you find your flow, you just might find your speed too! I'm glad you enjoy it regardless of how fast you run. There's SO much to love about running!

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  7. I love all of these! Just last week I went through EVERY pair of socks I own to make sure I had only kept the ones with no wear or holes. It was so liberating! And I STILL have about 50 pair. ;) blessed to know you!

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  8. You're right. Most of these things weren't on the list (or 2 ) I've written over the years. I never even thought of the clothes though I do love them! Though I will say that if more runners paid attention to some of those small aches and pains they would have fewer serious chronic injuries. Not that I haven't run with a sore knee, foot, Achilles, calf, shin.....

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    1. Maybe, maybe not, right? I wonder what would have happened if my foot hadn't have flared? Would I still be battling PF?

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  9. This is awesome!! Love all the socks!! #6 is the best! We earn those medals and who cares what anybody else says!! My sister wore her first half marathon medal to work, and I love that she did that!

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    1. I never wore my marathon medals to work but I wanted to! I just didn't want to make my patient visits about me. Altho I wanted to tell everyone how I just ran a marathon!

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  10. This is great! I love running because it's a valid reason for me to escape from the world for an hour without anyone questioning it.

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    1. I felt that way when my kids were little. It was THE ONLY time of day I was alone.

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  11. I also love running clothes. Oh how I wish I could wear running clothes to work every day - theya re so super comfy!
    I have the 26.2 sticker for my car but have yet to put it on my car yet lol

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    1. What are you waiting for? Slap that sticker on your car and be proud!

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  12. I LOVE this post and absolutely agree to all nine points!!! Oooohhh...I LOVE that Door County road.

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  13. Nailed it! I love running clothes too and feel like I hardly have any even though I know I have way too many shirts at this point! I also love being consistently challenged by running, even though it can get frustrating!

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    1. I think that's the key--running pushes us to make ourselves better. Who doesn't love that?

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  14. Wow what a road!!! That is a really cool picture. I love how running makes me feel like I can do anything!

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    1. I think the people who made that road had to be drunk! When we were kids, my dad would always exaggerate the curves to entertain us.

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  15. I'm loving the sock drawer standoff between you and your husband!

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    1. The things married people argue over! I just can't part with any of my socks...

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  16. HELL YES to all of these!! I love this post and I absolutely love all your reasons for loving to run. I couldn't agree more especially with ignoring little aches, pains and colds, keeping up with the kids, being known as "the runner" and being a douche, if that means wearing your medal and putting a sticker on your car - sign me up! :-)

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    1. I really think I get some road rage directed at me from my 26.2 sticker. Or maybe it's the rugby sticker?

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  17. The thing I love most about running is that it gave me my husband. It connected us in a unique way and continues to keep us close.

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    1. That's a great outcome from running. My husband doesn't run, but I believe he's glad I do.

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  18. Oh god are we douchy?? Haha! Maybe we shouldn't "define" ourselves in any certain way but "runner" is one of the first things that comes to mind.

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    1. I don't think we are douchey, but I bet non-runners do! Too bad, so sad...

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  19. Not douchy. Awesome
    I love this. You have a sneaky little way of making me cry, but tears of joy and fellowship. Not 26.2 for me, ever, but what little I've accomplished has been in the company of wonderful, embracing, loving runners like you.
    You know I gave it up, but I miss it too much and hope to dip my toes again beginning in March. It won't be much, it won't be record-breaking, not even my own records, but I need to be out there. Inching toward sixty-five, but still...
    I'm might even get that t-shirt: "Don't be jealous because I can still run in my sixties."
    Your post, once again, made my day.
    Happy Valentine's Day, dear friend. (Insert heart emoticon here).

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  20. Great list! All this talk about why we love running has made me miss it even more.

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  21. I love ❤️ all of your reasons for living running. I also love how my running friends have become some of my best friends

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  22. YES!! ALL THE RUNNING CLOTHES!! so much funner to shop for than normal clothes. I love being known as the runner, my work friends all come to me for running advice. so fun. Running people are awesome.

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  23. I so hear you. On every level! I love knowing that running will always be there for me, even if I have to take time off.

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  24. Runners are soooo often surprised but this is 10000% how I feel about walking!!!

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    1. I'm not surprised at all! Anything that gets us moving is a good thing!

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  25. All of these things! The clothes, oh, the clothes, especially. It helps (?) that I work in the running industry, so I can wear running clothes to run AND to work! Double whammy!

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    1. Lucky you! I've found "dress yoga pants" that I wear to work. Gotta love that!

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  26. I love being the "runner" of my family. No one likes to run but my oldest daughter is an athlete and very competitive. She has played soccer for years and just this last year has run several 5k's. She ran one without me last weekend while I was at my own race. That means a lot to me. I believe I will have a running buddy one day! All of the reasons you love running are what I love too! I just hope to pass it down to my kids to live an active lifestyle. I love being able to keep up with them!

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  27. I love how running has made me tougher too <3

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  28. Awesome post!! I love that running never gets predictable. Some days a 3 mile run feels as hard as a 10 miler, other days that 10 miler flys by with ease. It keeps me interested and challenged. Can't wait for the all clear to finally get back on the road. Hey, can u hook me up with where u got your "dress yoga pants"?

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    1. Sure! Check out Betabrand. They are a little pricey but they usually have coupons or discounts. So comfy and stylish!

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  29. What a cute post! I love running for so many reasons. But the clothes may just top the list for me too.

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    1. Right? It wouldn't be the same in an old pair of cotton sweats, would it?

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  30. I have that same problem/obsession that you have in #1! My husband laughs every time he sees some new running/workout clothes come into the house saying ..."because you don't already have enough" lol

    PS ...I did love the porta potty post. such a classic!

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    1. At least your husband laughs! Mine always gives me "the look" when I come home with a TJMaxx bag.

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  31. I freaking love this post. Wearing your medal isn't douchey, damn straight I'll be keeping that 26.2 on my car, and YES to the signing and yoga'ing on the run!!!!

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  32. This is a great Valentine's tribute to running Wendy! I'm pretty sure every runner can relate to this list!!

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  33. Definitely all of the above! That overflowing drawer cracks me up- your husband sounds like mine, always trying to de-clutter!

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    1. Except he's not trying to declutter--he just won't fix the drawer because he thinks I'll stuff it too full again!

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  34. I love this post!! Your sock drawer is awesome. When I was packing on Monday my sock drawer pretty much exploded.

    And the friends! Thank you, Wendy, for hosting the Utah Valley Marathon giveaway! I still can't believe I won. I registered this morning and did a little happy dance when I saw the confirmation email come in. Just wish you were going to be there!

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    1. Awww! I wish I was going to be there too! You'll have to fill me in on all the details!

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  35. Awesome list... so many things to love about running!

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  36. Love this post! And don't worry, I don't think 100 miles will EVER be the new 26.2 ;) Not everyone is that crazy, haha!

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  37. All of this! I have way too many workout clothes (and yet I keep buying more lol), I love the community and the friends it has brought to my life, and I love the bling! I don't think its douchey at all- I wear mine all the time the day of/after a race! You earned that show it off!

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  38. Yes to all of this! So many of us can relate to your ode to running.

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  39. I love this post :) I am with you on all of these. well except the porta potty thing. I don't have a porta potty story to tell (yet!!) I love that I'll be able to do that when it happens :)

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  40. I love that running gives me a perspective of the world from a different viewpoint. When we drive through the world, we don't always SEE the world. But, running gives me the opportunity to really appreciate BEING in the world and really seeing it in a different way.

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  41. I love that you love running. So do I! The main thing I love about running is how it makes me feel. Sure I feel shitty during it sometimes. But after? My mind functions 1 million times better.

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    1. My coworkers can always tell when I've run before work vs the days I don't!

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  42. I so love all of these! I am most definitely obsessed with all running clothes and really wish I didn't have to wear anything else. I definitely love how tough running has made me as well. The sickness meter is definitely measured by whether or not running can still happen.

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  43. I love all of these things about running, too! Funny how your sock drawer broke. LOL.

    And that road in WI? Wow! Looks kinda fun, though. :-)

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