I'm a Runner... What's your problem?

Running makes me happy. When crap (for lack of a better word) is piled up in my head, running breaks it up and sets my priorities straight. Stress and worry disappear as the sweat beads across my forehead and drips off my elbows.

Running makes me appreciative. I thank God every single time I run for the ability to breathe hard and put one foot in front of the other. There will come a day that I won't be able to do this... I'm thankful today is not that day.

Running helps me to dream. It teaches me that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. My parents taught me that I could be President someday, but MARATHONER (times five) was never even a thought! As my feet grace across the pavement, future hopes and plans unfold in my head like a blueprint. Often I return home with big ideas that never materialize, but I keep dreaming anyway.

Running makes me strong. Physically, my body is stronger than six years ago - when a flight of steps left me panting for air. I've lost a bunch of weight since lacing up the running shoes. My daily runs help me to keep my weight in check, despite my love for food and beer. But even more important, running gives me mental strength I never thought was in me. I feel like I can conquer anything... if I take it one step at a time.

Running is important in my life. Can you tell?

So when I read these pretentious attacks about running, it quite frankly pisses me off.  Several people sent me links to articles this week... Running hurts your knees. Running has no purpose. Runners wear silly clothes. Marathons make you fat. Running is waste of time. Running tears down your muscles... blah, blah, blah. There are some interesting reads. Other times, it's just a writer looking to stir up a reaction and get pageviews.  I too wrote college research papers and am fully aware that you can find a research study out there to support any claim you want to promote. Been there; done that.

So here's my answer to all those articles who'd like to talk negatively about running... You clearly don't understand the euphoria that a simple run can bring. Truly, I'm sorry for that. I would love for everyone to catch a runner's high once a day. It would be a better world, for that I am certain.  So here's an idea... stop pretending you know what running is about and save those judgements and ridicules for yourself. (Yes, running with a tutu just might make us faster... or at least happier. So what's it to you?) 

I realize that running is not everyone's passion... maybe you like weight lifting, zumba, gardening, or a combination of it all. Whatever your interest is, DO IT and enjoy it with every fiber of your being. But stop the debate of which activity is better. Whatever activity excites you on the inside and keeps you active is the BEST... for you. Let it be at that. In fact, you should be happy when your neighbor finds an activity that makes them a better person - even if it's running. Who knows, they may be the person that "runs for help" someday when you need it...