You might run for the thrill. You sail into the zone, keep on like you’re under a spell. I wish it came so naturally to me, wish these limbs would move with knowing.
I run because I was terrible at it. And I’m less terrible the more I do it. I run to silence the aspiration for what’s easy. To teach my body to endure, hold on just a little longer. I run to meet my weaker self head on – conquer her on strong legs 
so I limp less under my load. I sprint for the fullness of being alive because I often forget how to live. I remember the power of simplicity. I jog to find my pace and cadence. I run to take ownership of myself and to stretch my reserve. I run to claim every day that is mine.
I run because good enough isn’t good enough.
See me wrestle? Why I Sweat
A Holistic Journey 
I can totally relate. Many of these are also the reasons I run. (And your treadmill is quite similar to mine.) 🙂
Glad to hear, L. =)
🙂
I wonder (and I think about this often as I run) if the need to better ourselves is an inherent trait that for us, is a common thread running through writers, but is also a trait that needs to make itself known through other outlets, such as running. Just a thought.
Amazing! One can also ask the same ques of athletes. Something I’ve explored here, on the art of war.
I wondered, after my last reply, if the reasons you relate to the post includes any clunkiness on your part? Most people will run more easily than I. =)
I perceive this as a metaphor for your journey of life! Wish you Good luck with your efforts to continuously improve…
Both metaphor and stark truth. =) I don’t enjoy running. I do it to teach myself to enjoy it. Thanks for the encouragement.
Xx
HW
I think I understand, I wish I ran because it came naturally. Instead, I must really force myself. I still know it’s good for me.
Without being too deep, try listening to audiobooks to make the treadmill less boring…
As a time nazi, I fill every crevice of my day. Most moments will find me multitasking. But tuning into your body makes for more efficient exercise. =) Misery (at least sense of inadequacy) loves company. Thanks for letting me know it’s a struggle for you, too.
My sprinting days are well gone now. Glad you can still enjoy your runs.
That’s what I wrote in the Why I Sweat post last year. That I work out because I can, while I can. Do you walk for exercise? And is there something you seek to best yourself at?
I actually run (not often enough) because I lost a good deal of weight and suddenly running became a thing I could do, and it’s awfully exciting to be able to break into a run after a life not being able to.
That’s awesome! Good you left your testimony here so others can be inspired. Bravo.
This sounds very similar to why i run. People asked me if I like running and I usually say I like the feel of having BEEN for a run… 🙂
Ha ha ha. Interesting. Yes, aren’t we glad when it’s oVeR!
happy to have a kindred runner in you who have found the joy in running…:-) 🙂
I’m far from the noble title of RuNNeR. This will disappoint you but I’m proud when I can eke out 2 miles. My threshold will not be as high as runners’. I just make sure to push myself beyond my own limit. I’m tempted to envy (of you). =)
I don’t run on treadmill. I prefer swimming though I haven’t been swimming due to my workload
Yep, anything that keeps us moving — and challenging our limit. The water is such a wonderful medium for workouts.
Yes, water is a wonderful medium for workouts 🙂
I’m so glad that you run, I wish that I could- I did in my younger days but my heart prevents that now.I walk on the treadmiil when my heart is in sync. Keep up the good work. It will make you stronger in many ways. ~yvonne
I told Ian just now I wrote in Why I Sweat last year that I work out because I can, while I can. We really have to listen to our body, too, as you say. What I pull off on the treadmill is less than a fraction of what runners do – but it’s what my body (and time demands) can handle. Thanks for being here, Yvonne. Keep walking (with your camera)!
I can relate. I woke up this morning, my body said no, my mind said yes. Put on my running shoes, started the jog. My body protested. I reminded myself of the high and lofty reasons why I jog. My body protested. I rreminded myself that come summer, I would have dropped a dress size. My body complied 😉
There is something about the sea breeze in my face, the sound of the waves crashing, that calms my soul. I like that there are few of us out there at the crack of dawn finding our rhythm before the day begins.
That’s awesome, Timi. Every bit of it. Am jealous you can run by the water like that. The air, the sounds and your rhythm tuning into that of the waves all make for rockin’ holistic health. Of course I love how you conquer yourself in the process. You seriously look so lovely and fit in your pix.
Wonderful. I’ll think of you running while I am struggling with my push ups and other tortures in P90X, the fitness regime I use. It has gotten me in the best shape of my life, but skin still sags and bulges here and there. I accept that the elasticity of youth is gone (although I wouldn’t trade it with the mental suffering I endured at that stage in my life.) Wisdom for less resilient skin? I’ll take that trade and more.
Fondly,
E
*Grin* Ha ha yEs, ToRture!! I did my push-ups every other day this wk. Not a whole lot, but enough to build strength. Love the (sad) bit about the mental suffering. E, you are a lot healthier now than you were then! I see a lot of women start taking care of themself in their late 30s and their 40s. We really don’t see how short-lived our bloom is, how important it is to eat right and take care of ourself in our 20s when sun and gravity seem harmless.
I run, too and I enjoyed reading your words, they are so rich with tenacity. Running for me is about healing the weaker pieces within. I also find running very meditative….connecting to my breath as I run while hearing the sounds of nature around me is very soothing and I feel I am able to really clear my mind and just be….Thank you for sharing why you run.
I appreciate your take on the writing here, Samantha. Love your testimony. =) Yes, I just said to Ray H in the comments that running mindfully (as opposed to listening to a story while running) makes for more efficient exercise. Sounds like you know what it’s about, and that you afford yourself some good ol’ fashioned holistic healing. Props!
HW
I love this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, it’s easy not to run, but we don’t want easy. We want better.
I may have to reblog this.
You may hAve to reblog, eh? Chuckle. Thanks for doing it, buddy. You might find interesting the last thoughts from the first commenter AuthorLeigh. I thought of you.
Hmm, ok, I will check it out!
Hey, I can tweak it on this end but for your own board…you might want to insert the R in Journeying. Or I’d prefer my username Holistic Wayfarer! Thanks.
Ha, ok, I’ll change that.
Reblogged this on Piratebobcat and commented:
Just read this by the Holistic Journeying Lady, it’s awesome.
Running is so cathardic and is a form of meditation. I know for me it allows the mind to relax (the body to endure) and our discipline to grow.
Stay healthy.
Regards,
Clifford Mitchem
Advocare Distributor
Nutrition + Fitness = Health
http://www.AdvoCare.com/13087657
Appreciate your wisdom on what the mind and body do in the running. Thanks.
Wow, this is perfect.
Aw, thanks, Rachel. Appreciate your stopping in.
Really can relate to this, D. My biking takes me there, so does walking; which is maybe the more personal of the two for me. Great post…
Thanks, K. I know you do a lot of mindful, meaningful workouts.
Yes, these days they(workouts) don’t seem worth much if they’re not mindful and meaningful.
I love this and relate to it so well. My very favorite line is “I run to claim all my days.” I will be writing that down…
Wonderful, Jennifer. Thanks for letting me know. I appreciate the visit.
HW
Sounds like a very transformative practice– a kind of medicine, even, for the body and spirit, Diana!
Exercise certainly is healing. I still have to learn to breathe as my body wants to. Gotta stop overthinking reflexes!
I can’t handle treadmills, D. And ever since running cross-country in high school, I haven’t been very fond of running. I do walk for some of the same reasons, however. I have a thousand foot climb in my back yard that provides challenge, exercise, and, most important to me… nature. –Curt
Boy, I’d love that climb, Curt. Woo!
Come on out. 🙂
LOL. My hubby would LOVE to.
I just started to run about 3 weeks ago. When I started I couldn’t even run for a whole minute without wanting to give up, now I completed my goal for the day of running every 7 minutes, walking for 1 minute in between for 32 minutes, Sunday it’ll be every 8 minutes. I feel alive when I run, like no on can stop me, I feel control, I feel amazing!
That is so awesome. Precisely bc it didn’t come naturally to you. I know what a victory that is. SO proud of you!! I have to walk it sometimes, too. Thanks for letting me know. Keep me posted. =)
HW
Thanks! I work with a girl that runs, she inspired me to be a runner like her. I love to challenge myself. It definitely is a victory to achieve something you are passionate about. Every other day I will challenge myself further.
Got the book from the library. You gOTTa get:
https://holisticwayfarer.com/2013/03/15/born-to-run-by-christopher-mcdougall/
I will definitely check it out, thanks!
As long as it pleases you D, just keep moving forward!!
Ha ha ha. It’s hArD. Wish running came to me as the poems do to you.
Great post!
I only run when the police are chasing me. …😯
Just twice a week. LOL. That wOULd make a great workout. 😛
“I run to silence the aspiration for what’s easy. To teach my body to endure, hold on just a little longer.” Oh, what a perfect sentiment, and I am grateful for the push I learned as a high school athlete. It has served me well in all of life’s tough and uncomfortable situations. I call it “digging deep” and it is a place you must find to know it is there and draw upon it again and again.
Simply love this coming from you, J. No wonder you can do what it is you do for the vulnerable and disadvantaged. I say with all respect: I am so proud of you. Thanks so much for letting me know how this post resonated.
Love,
Diana
I particularly like the line, ‘I run to claim all my days.’ To keep your strength, and get stronger. It’s hard enough to do what you want to do without your body fighting you.
Thanks for letting me know what struck, J. Really like the simple wisdom on the fighting.
Xxx
D.
Great reason for running, for whatever metaphorical or physical reason.
=)
I run for pretty much the reasons you run. Speaking of which, have you read this? http://theoatmeal.com/comics/running
Page spun endlessly, wouldn’t open.
Oh no. Just google “Why I run, oatmeal”. It’s a Murakami story illustrated.
Ha ha ha thanks.
Loved this. I took up running 5 years ago because maintaining a healthy weight became more and more difficult without it. I have already peaked. No more PRs in any length of race. But I keep running because I know mobility is a gift and I want to enjoy it. Thanks.
=) Great to hear of your discipline and taking ownership of the one body we’ve been given, Lon. Incidentally, I’ve noticed a major (disturbing) disconnect in pastors who can’t control their diet and weight. And a wonderful discipline that RuNs into their devotional life and ministry in those who exercise.
Love this, although I’m not a runner, but a power walker and my chocolate lab, Copper, accompanies me…sometimes, I’ll jog, but he tends to want to lead, which isn’t what I want. I wish he would jog right beside me…sigh…still in training. 🙂 Exercise makes us feel good, physically and mentally, and it’s a good attitude to keep at it simply because we can…there are many who wish they could, but physical disabilities prevent them…cheers to moving and Copper and I are about to walk. Have a lovely day!
Thanks for the peek at your own ritual of health, Lauren. I said exactly what you did about working out simply bc I can in the sister post Why I Sweat. Sounds like you’re off to a great start of a day.
Xxx
Diana
Reblogged this on The Getting Old Blog and commented:
One of the most inspiring posts I’ve read in a long time. And not just about running, either….
Running isn’t my thing but I understand why you do it 🙂
That was it. Running wasn’t the point. I wanted to draw out things others can relate to.
Thank you for sharing your sharing your reason for running. I am developing the habit of running because I know a runner is in me and I “must” see it come forth. Thank you for visiting my blog. I enjoy yours and look forward to enjoying your many other reads.
Thanks for sharing where you’re coming from in the running, JH. That is wonderful. I appreciate your efforts bc it’s obviously something you’re challenging yourself both in resistance and in the search for your own rhythm. Thank you for the follow. =)
HW
Excellent. Keep running. You meet your true self out on a hard run.
I keep running because I met myself once, and I hated me…so I run longer and farther and harder to drive that me away.
I love what you said about meeting your true self, Eli. I hope you continue to run toward, not from. Thank you for being here.
HW
Cheers! Keep it fun. 🙂
The last time I ran was during a game of cricket last month and I ended up with horribly cramped legs. That sent me down a horrendous road of shame. I was always the sporty kid and this wasn’t something I expected. I walk quite a bit but running is an all new level. Thanks for the reminder:D This makes me want to run my butt off!
Nida, no shame in that. I wonder if any of this might help:
https://holisticwayfarer.com/2013/07/01/first-aid-from-my-apothecary-bumps-bugs-cuts-poison-sun/
Hydrate well. Banana’s chock full of potassium that might do the trick next time.
Thanks for letting me know this goads you on to try again. Go, go, go…do it again!
Xxx
Wow thanks for sharing Diana:)! This ‘apocalyptic’ stuff is awesome;)
Ha ha.
Hey, let me know how the next run goes.
I wish I could run but I walk, fast, and I listen to my music while I do so. It’s the best therapy there is…and great for working out ‘stuff’ for want of a better word!
Why do we have the word STUFF if not to use it…for all the…StuFF? =) Glad for this picture of you, Sherri.
I loved reading your reason to run! Running is challenging for both the body and the mind and we learn to push boundaries that we never knew we were capable of. The more we run, the better we become!
Love the perspective on boundaries, Lauren. Thanks.
Anytime! Have a great day.
Yes!!! AWESOME
LOL Thx.
HW
I love this blog! I feel the same way about running! Mm
That’s wonderful, Michelle. Thanks for letting me know and for pulling up that chair. Here’s some organic chamomile tea.
=)
Diana
Oh I am loving that and needing it for sure! 😀 I can’t wait to read more of you posts! I have it bookmarked. 😀
Thanks, Michelle. I enjoyed my visit, too.
Like a power visit! 😀
Before I turn in, I spell out my thanks for the follow. Welcome to this amazing community of thinkers, MM.
Xx
Diana
Me too to that sleeping! Blessings to you! I can’t wait to think with you Diana! Blessings to you and pleasant dreams! XX MM
Honestly… I get tired just thinking about running… =\
*chuckle* I believe it.
I get tired chuckling too. lmao… 😉
All’s you gotta do is transfer just a little of the crazy die-hard steroid willpower behind the blogging to the treadmill, and you’ll be set. Distance as short as that from those fingers to your feet.
Running is so boring unless you are being chased by a dog, a woman with a knife, or the police.
LOL Almost lmao. I’m sure you can find ways to spice it up – all that Korean music you like.
I only run under cover of darkness, because frankly, I waddle like a duck! But I have running dreams, where I just go and go and it is effortless….feels amazing! I admire runners such as yourself. 🙂
I do not deserve the title of RuNNeR. I’m on the whole other side of the running world. Mine is just an attempt to keep afloat, keep my body moving and training it to dislike it less and less. =)
Seems that makes the two of us among the waddlers. =)
Hello Holistic Wayfarer, long time no speak. I’m back after a few weeks out due to what is called inevitable happenings in life. I loved reading this and it is so transferable to other sports. I particularly find this relative to my cycling. I get scared to cycle because i feel unfit, however i cannot get fitter unless i push through and cycle. Keep on running!
Hello Matt, I’ve thought of you the last few weeks. =) Boy, do I know about life happening. I love what you say about the cycle of fear and victory over self in cycling.
Thanks for the glimpse into your side of things!
HW
Hopefully now a dark chapter has past in my life and light pierces through at the end of the tunnel I can speed my journey up the light by pushing on with my blog. I’ve just rewritten a tribute today that has been sitting in drafts for a month. For some reason it felt better to write it addressed as opposed to talking about my thank you in 3rd person. Keep up the good work my pen friend.
Great perspective about why we run.
For me it is way simpler. Running, simply put, makes me feel good. I have not bothered to find out why that happens. Is it the oxygenation? Is it the heart beat increasing? Is it…….. ? Does all this matter when you move out of that ‘Running’ space a more happier person than when you moved in? What says you?
Shakti
Ha ha ha. It all matters as much as you need it to. I’m so glad you are a happier – and so a better – person for it. Thank you for sharing.
Blessings. =)
HW
Diana, I like your last statement about good enough is not good enough. The spirit of always wanting to do better is what drives you on. If only more Americans (more of the world) would have that attitude of improving themselves instead of always wanting to point a finger at what they perceive to be inadequacy in others… Pointing makes the owner of the finger feel good. It gives them a sense of power. Pointing diverts the eye and the mind unfairly.
One additional thought:
The wisest man who ever lived said, “I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all” (Ecc. 9:11).
We all know there are many Americans of great accomplishments who have chased their stronger self. But it does seem that many Asians as a whole have this drive. It’s very interesting. I always appreciate the higher wisdom you point us to, Beth. Thank you for being here!
Ok, I have to confess, I don’t like running. However, I make myself run for about 10 minutes after my HIIT workouts at the end of the day. I actually appreciate my short runs at that time because I’m already worked up from my workout and it gets me out of the house at a time that is not-so-hot.
I workout because it’s my healthy addiction. I could never give it up. I am certified in fitness and nutrition so it’s a huge part of my life.:-)
Certified in the way we ought to live. Right on. =) I don’t like running! I do it when I can to teach myself to like it and because I can.
I’m not really a runner but I do run because it keeps the energy moving so my ideas can flow. My best ideas always come when moving.
A kinesthetic learner and thinker, apparently. =) Do you like to dance?
Love to dance–free style. Love all kinds of movement as it enables my fullest expression– or as you put it — the fullness of being alive. So nice to read your perspective .
=) You’d like Salsa dance.
Fairly new to running – took it up in April, and still have the days where I struggle, I feel a great sense of achievement when I run and am slowly becoming addicted to the high it all.
Awesome. Your achievement is even more weighty and commendable for the struggles toward it. =)
Powerful post! It is inspiring! I don’t run. . . but I do relate to challenging myself and to facing hard things head on. I need to challenge myself more in the physical area though. And get outside and DO. . . more. . . thank you!
“challenging myself and to facing hard things head on.” What the post was really about. =) And yes, there is a most literal, obviously basic level at which we need to do this!
Thanks for sharing.
Xxx
Diana
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Nice description. I enjoy the feeling that comes after a run. Like contentment.
During a run I feel awake. Every organ, heart, lungs, leg muscles, arm muscles etc all working together.
Much like you, I never appreciated running until later in life. Better late than never.
Kipling’s poem “If” is like a runner’s anthem (to me at least).
Your post reads like a nice poem also. Well done.
“During a run I feel awake. Every organ, heart, lungs, leg muscles, arm muscles etc all working together.” I like that. Thx for helping me know you better. =)
Diana
You’re so right… I’m already trying to convince myself to go to bed early enough to get up and run in the morning. Running can be such a battle but it’s so nice when your mind wins out and you actually complete what you want to!!
Also, I love your banner shot. Beautiful beach!
Thanks for taking a moment. I like how you put it, the mind winning out. We need that for many things in life. Yes, that’s my husband on his unicycle. =)