What are you running from?

Today I sat around with my best friend discussing running, as per usual.  Most of the time we get together, we just marvel on how far we've come in the past few years and how different things are.  More than that, though, how happy we are with the changes. Seems like the more I run, the more running seems to dominate my conversations, especially with anyone who's willing to listen to me talk about it.  (There are a select few, and to those people, I am eternally grateful... read: two best friends who mean the world)  Hell, if one person reads my blog and decides "hey, maybe I'll start running"... that would make my week.  And if everyone thinks I'm crazy? So be it.

Back before I became a running "convert," so to speak, I used to think aloud every time I saw someone running outside.  "What are you running from?!"  To be fair, often I used to yell it at them out of car windows.  But the phrase was constantly in my head, and sure, it was funny and always sort of a joke to me; but I guess it goes both ways.  And I figured out that everyone, regardless of their age, habits, job, etc. is running for a reason.  One of two reasons, actually. 

Everyone who runs can answer one of these two questions:

What are you running from?
or
What are you running toward?

I find myself leaning more toward the second one, because it sounds better, but when it comes down to it they are both the same anyway.  I run because I'm running toward a goal, a goal of proving to myself that I am capable of taking control of my life and actually achieving something great, instead of being comfortable with mediocrity.   Running toward the inexplicable "glory" of finishing a marathon.  To me, there is no bigger athletic event that seems quite as daunting.  Sure, I am awful at soccer and would probably fall flat on my face were I to attempt it- but for me, it's the marathon.  What are those crazy people thinking... running 26 miles.  The first guy to attempt that DIED.  Shouldnt that be a sign?  But no, I decide to do it. So in the course of running toward self improvement, I am running from the aforementioned mediocrity. 

 Everyone's got a reason.  Often it's stress relief, the need to get out of the house, not having the money to afford a gym membership, or the desire to "get in shape."  But I think no one really realizes that that goal isnt something that's achievable, and then put aside.  Most "life goals" are things that people can do, and then reflect on and think "wow, I did that..."  Not so with the whole physical fitness thing.  That's something that you can achieve, and just as quickly lose if it isnt maintained.  So it has to become a lifestyle change, not just an immediate behavioral one. 

And so I realize that in setting the goal of running a marathon; my personal goals (and the answer to the good old question... what are you running from/toward?) have changed.  At first I figured, yeah, sure, I'll try to run a marathon... maybe I'll drop ten pounds in the process...bonus!  So when I began running, to be honest, I never thought I'd actually get there, but I secretly hoped that I might slim down a bit.  But then something clicked, something changed, when I figured out that it was getting easier, that I was getting stronger, and faster, and leaner. The whole weight and body image thing stopped being a part of it, sure I like that my clothes fit better and that I get to wear a smaller size, but there's an immediate sense of pride in finishing a 7 mile run.  It may hurt like hell to get there (and dont let anyone tell you differently), but I think it's all worth it when I can look back on my day and realize that I truly have achieved something.  So that's what keeps me going toward the whole marathon thing.  I know it's gonna be hard, especially going into the dead ass winter months where even getting out of bed makes you freeze right to the core, and when work starts to get stressful, or my personal life becomes complicated; but I do know one thing, that running is keeping me remarkably balanced now, and hopefully it will continue to do so.  And as the daily mileage creeps up into the double digits, it will only get harder; but hey, i sort of have a thing for challenges.

And all this in just a few short months.  Imagine what a few years can do... and luckily, I've got the time.