Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Why I Run

Enough is enough.

At the age of 28 I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.  I had a doctor who wanted to put me on medication that would alter my appearance, my moods, my body chemistry.  For life.  I wasn’t willing to accept his diagnosis or his treatment options.  Instead, I turned to exercise for relief from my symptoms.  I started out walking, and accidentally started running.  And amazingly, my symptoms improved.

My friends and family thought I was crazy.  They would pass me on the road and honk.  Offer me a ride.  Call me later to ask how long I had been out there.  To ask me why I choose to run.

Why do I run?

I run because it makes me feel alive.  It makes me feel well.  It makes me feel good enough.  I run because it makes me feel empowered.  It gives me a challenge.  It gives me much needed me-time.  I run because it makes me a better mother.  It makes me a better wife.  It makes me a better employee.  I run because I appreciate the legs and heart and lungs that let me.  I run to feel athletic.  To feel free.  To feel light.  I run for the camaraderie.  I run to be alone.  I run because I want to.  I run because I have to.  I run because it makes everything else seem possible.