My Cravings: Why I RUN?

I was NEVER the athletic type, I was a “sophisticated geek” in highschool and in college, being in the middle of the rung on the social ladder, elevated by strivings to “be most likely to succeed.” I was in every activity that WASN’T physical…

That changed in my mid 20s, through a community where most of my pals were both smart and healthy, and because I was running from the stress of my dissertation, and the dissolution of love.

I never thought I’d be able to run 3 miles, and when that goal was achieved…something clicked in me: “I am powerful!”…that was 5 years ago and now running is my drug of choice.  I go into a powerful “flow” during a jog, my breathing matching the cadence of my stride, my mind drifting without a destination, my desire dissipates. I am completely content.

Let me be clear: I have a running addiction! At my hey-day, I was running/jogging at least 40-50 miles a week. That’s NOT okay when you aren’t in training. Now, I run only three-four days a week, and only 4-5 miles each time. I’ve done only 2 races (5K: 23minutes, 10K 48 minutes), and have my eyes on a half marathon ONE day. 

Why do I run? It fuels me. It propels me. It challenges me. It Soothes me. AND MOST days, not all, but most, running reminds me of my terrible aliveness. Of being expendable, and yet here.

My recent training schedule: Although, my PLANTAR FASCITIS is back,  I am running 3-4 miles 3-4 times per week, almost all on a treadmill). I do Hatha Yoga around 3-4 times a week and cross train with walking hills and elliptical work 3 times a week. I KNOW I need to start lifting or something, but right now, I am trying not to “add more…”

Why do you run?