Going Dopey

Why do I run? It is a question I am asked often but more often I get why do I want to run and complete multiple marathons.  People tell me that running a marathon is something on their bucket list or something they want to complete one time at some point. I usually give some sort of answer about how running allows me to relieve stress from work or running is a great time to work out my problems, or even that I like being able to eat whatever I want because I just burned 2000 calories during my long run that morning. These answers usually seem to be enough for most people and they leave it alone. The truth though if I really think about it, is that running is my escape. I run to escape from life, stress, and that list goes on and on. I’ve run to get time alone. I’ve used running as an excuse to avoid or be late situations that make me uncomfortable (those of you who know me know how extensive that list is). I’ve also run just to get out the door and go with no one telling me how far or how long I will run for. Running grants me freedom and a release from the many constant thoughts and ideas rolling around in my head. Running literally helps me to find a peace of mind because I am only able to think about 1 thing at a time when I run. I first ran a marathon because a friend and I decided to run one together. All of the marathons that have followed have been because the longer I run and the more I train, the more time I am able to escape from myself. 

I recently registered for the Dopey Challenge in January of 2015. The challenge includes running a 5k, 10k, half marathon, and full marathon on consecutive days. I’ve always loved to test my limits running and see if I can get through something so daunting in relatively good health. I also saw it as a chance to continue having an excuse to give other people for why I am running so much. It will be a great feeling to accomplish running all of those races especially if I stay healthy, but even more importantly; it will give me my escape. I apologize that these paragraphs are most likely filled with grammatical errors, poor sentence structure, and repetitive word usage but I wrote this down exactly as it appeared in my head and those thoughts weren’t exactly linear. I can’t say if running will always be that release for me but for as long as it is; if I am with you and mention I need to go for a run. It may be because I am working through a training program, but more likely it is because I need time to be get a break. The training results of last week and the reflection will be posted later this evening.