Why do YOU Run?

I run almost every day. It makes me feel good. Keeps me healthy. Running lets me eat those treats that I just can't seem to resist.  ;)

But today is an even better running day. It's National Running Day!

It sort of made it perfect to reflect on why I run. So why do I run?

There's the obvious...

But there is also the not so obvious. In January a mom of 3 in Virginia was killed on her morning training run by a suspected drunk driver. Right before my first 10K race I came across the story and learned of Meg Menzies and #megsmiles and I ran those miles that day for her. Then there was Jaime Rowley - a mom with 2 daughters that was killed on her run. Then there are the runners with injuries. The runners that for whatever reason they can't run today, tomorrow or maybe ever. There's the causes that need a voice.

There are days that I set out to run and I might not feel like it. It might be too hot. It might be too cold. I might be too sore. I might be too tired. I might be too busy. But instead of putting my shoes away I lace them up and go. I run for #megsmiles and her family, #runforjaime and her girls and run for each and every person that can't. Some days my miles might not amount to much, other days they are beyond what I set out to do. But there isn't a day that I set out that I have an excuse that is good enough to not do it. I mean really - I have SIX kids and there's a set of baby twins in the mix! If anyone can make excuses it's me, but I don't. I lead by example. I practice what I preach.

Runners are a unique breed of people. We may not know each other or ever meet in real life - but we are all friends. Friends connected by the pounding of our feet on the pavement. And the drip of sweat from our brow. We know the pains and gains that come with running. It's not always easy, and it's not always fun. But it's always something we need to get done. Our days aren't complete until those miles are put in.

So take today and think about WHY you run. It might be as simple as I want to look good in a swim suit. It might be more profound or have a deeper meaning to you. It doesn't matter - find out why running makes you tick. Take the reason and use it. Use it to be a better runner. A better person. A better YOU.

See these people? This is why I run....