Why I run. Why we run.

I Run. I am a Runner.  

I used to call myself a hockey player. That's what I did, I chased a hockey ball around a hockey pitch. I did this from ages 7-24. From age 11,  I was representing my region (Hawkes Bay up to age 18, then Auckland). I averaged 5 sessions a week during winter from age 15-24. Over the summers during that time I ran. I can distinctly remember my hockey coach at 14 saying to me, if you want to make any NZ teams I needed to become a runner.  Hence I started running. She had a program for me to adhere to. I can remember about 1-2 weeks into that program, and got a really sore little toe. My mother and I promptly went to a physio and podiatrist only to quickly discover that I was running in shoes that weren’t very good running shoes.  I changed shoes, and then I was back into my program. I was 14 and didn't think too much about things in my life. My coach, who I believed in, said you have to become a runner, so I followed. No questions asked . Then maybe 6 weeks into my program. I was sitting in a physics/ science class. (It was Mr Briasco, I remember some details so clearly…). Class was getting a little boring, but I just remember thinking to myself ‘I can't wait to get home and go for a run’, ‘I can't wait to lace up my shoes and go running..’

I look back and giggle to myself about that experience. Because that is when I really got hooked into running. I have been running 4-5 x a week since then. Yes during those hockey years I was running less formally during the winter periods. However once the hockey session had ended I couldn’t wait to get back into my running programs. 

I loved running in the warmth, I loved that it was on my own terms (time of day, not having to fit in with team training), I loved the buzz of becoming running fit. That amazing feeling that it leaves you with directly after running.  But also the effects during normal life. I am not sure if that is because when you are fitter, your exercise tolerance increases, then when you walk or do stairs it just becomes easier, hence when you do these things your body feels better. Or that when stress comes, that you have this great stress reliever. You go for a run. It just chills you out.   

It took me a number of years after not playing hockey, to stop calling myself a ‘hockey player’. My ego, my personality was attached to the idea that I had achieved a certain level of success.     Hence, it took me quite a while to become proud to call myself a runner. I had never had success as running, not like I had as a hockey player. However this is really what I am trying to say. I love running.  I love the idea that running appears to be very good for me. Not because I can run faster or further than anyone else. Not because I look great doing it. Because of what it makes me feel. Hence I now say to anyone who wants to hear ‘I am a runner’.  

I want everyone to have that opportunity, because ‘being a runner’ has been so important to me through my life.

#lifestyle #decisionmaking