Why I Run

June 13, 2009

I played baseball, baseball players don’t run!

Growing up in and around sports, I ran because it was part of the game. You needed training and conditioning, I ran to be “in shape.” I ran as a form of discipline, and often my team ran together for punishment. I didn’t run because I liked to, I ran because I had to.

When my collegiate baseball career ended, I wanted to stay active. I needed to stay active. However, a job with irregular hours, a young family and a social life often made it difficult to commit to regularly scheduled events. I continued to train, but training without a purpose gets stale.

I found running (or running found me) while working medical for numerous events, including marathons and triathlons. Running was a form of competition to which I’d paid little attention. I was not a “runner” and I could not relate to their sport. Stationed at the finish line I watched. What I observed were athletes just like me. I saw runners competing with other runners, but I could identify with those that were competing with themselves.

It wasn’t long before I was out on the road, alone.

I’m back to running out of necessity, but it’s a whole new ballgame. I run with a renewed purpose. I run because I want to. I run for physical and mental health. I run to challenge what is possible. I run to motivate and compete with my father, to inspire my wife, and to be a role model for my kids.

I run because I can, and because I know there will come a time when I can no longer run.

Why do you run?