Running has always been a part of my life. Memories from running when I was five years old still hold a special place in my heart. Truth be told though, it hasn’t always been positive. But when you run for as long as I have (over 50 years!), there’s bound to be ups and downs along the way. After all, no relationship is perfect. There have been many moments – like the time I hit the wall in my second marathon – when I vowed to never run another step. Yet somehow it wasn’t long before I was lacing up and starting over. As I reflect on my running experience, it’s so cool to see how my “why”  has evolved.

As a kid, I never thought about why I was doing it. I just ran as fast as I could whenever I could, simply because I could. My mind was free from any judgment or thought. Being completely immersed in the moment was exhilarating.

As a teenager, I ran to win. If I didn’t come in first, disappointment overwhelmed me. My competitive drive hijacked my mind  while  joy took a backseat.

Throughout my 20s, consistency was my nemesis. When I managed to hit the road or trails, it was typically to burn calories or prove to myself I could still do it. Rarely was it enjoyable thanks to my inner critic who tortured me with reminders of  how out of shape I was. 

During my two pregnancies in my 30s, I ran because I knew it was good for me and the baby (and because the crazy looks people shot at me as I ran by with a belly made me laugh!) Running was an opportunity to get lost in daydreams about my future family.

After the births of my 2 sons, I was back at it mainly to lose the baby weight. However, I also loved being the mom out there pushing a running stroller. Endless hours of playing iSpy helped me train for my first marathon. Becoming a mom reignited my adventurous spirit, so I ran to challenge myself and to see how far my body would take me. 

As my kids grew up I continued to run to stay healthy and fit so I could keep up with them, then ultimately share running adventures together. The memories I have of running through the desert, up and down mountain switchbacks and through the trails with my family are priceless.

The quest for sanity kept me running in my 40s. Then, when I started coaching cross-country and track for my kids’ team, I found myself falling back in love with the sport of running. I had forgotten about the incomparable camaraderie, competition, sportsmanship and electrifying atmosphere found at cross country and track meets. Being involved with the team reminded me of my youth and everything that was positive about the sport. I was inspired to work hard and challenge myself just like my kids were doing. 

Now that I’m in my 50s my relationship with running has come full circle. The  older I get the more I appreciate ALL aspects of running, which is what keeps me going. My “why” on any given day, could be any of the following:

To challenge myself or to meet a goal.

To pray.

Because I promised to run with someone.

Because I want to add to my Strava totals or keep a streak going.

Because it’s beautiful out and I look forward to the scenery and fresh air.

Because the weather sucks and I like feeling like a badass fighting the elements.

To prove that I can still do it, even if I’m sick or in pain.

To prove to myself I’m still young at heart and unstoppable.

Out of pure stubbornness to show autoimmune disease and perimenopause who’s boss.

To explore new places.

For the simple joy of starting and ending a run with my kids and seeing them out there on the roads with me.

To remind myself that just because I’m getting older, it doesn’t mean I have to back off.

For the camaraderie during a group run.

To watch the sunrise with a group of people I just met but instantly bonded with.

To see how many eagles I can spot along the river.

To mentally prepare for the day.

To wipe out  the fog engulfing my brain.

To appreciate the fact I can move my body.

To experience exhilaration. 

To see how fast or far I can go.

To experience the peace and quiet of an early morning run.

To hear the sound of my breath and footsteps creating a peaceful rhythm.

Because I love the sound of birds singing and animals scampering through the woods.

To reminisce on a race course or route that I haven’t run in ages.

Because I love the simplicity of it – lace up and go!

Because our bodies were created to move.

To spark my creativity or think through a problem.

To forget a problem.

Because even if I don’t feel like it, I know it’s crucial for my cardio, muscle, bone, lung, and brain health.

Without it I don’t like how I feel physically or mentally.

I could go on and on….

What’s obvious is there’s  a reason to hit the road regardless of how I feel on any given day. I may start a run for one reason but then find myself continuing for something completely different. One thing’s for sure – the older I get the more motivated and inspired I become. This girl has no plans on slowing down anytime soon!

The stereotypes that plague menopause, being a female athlete, and having autoimmune disease need to be shattered and that fires up my determination. We have way more control over how we age and our health than we think and I want everyone to embrace that. I want people to see me out there and say, “If she can do that, so can I.” I want to motivate people to challenge themselves, set goals and build their confidence. 

If you haven’t started yet, what’s stopping you? Find  a reason on my list that resonates with you and use it to start moving. Before you know it you’ll have your own list of why’s that will motivate you to put one foot in front of the other. If you currently run – what keeps you going back for more? Have your reasons for running evolved over time? 

Happy running!