Why do I run? I have asked myself this question often since I started running in April 1984. If you are a runner, this is a question you may have asked yourself, too. Perhaps your non- running friends have also asked, and you were uncomfortable when you could not give them an immediate answer that satisfied you.
I have often felt that the people who asked me why I run were sorry they did. Perhaps they thought they were going to get a quick, canned reply like “I enjoy it” or “It’s fun.” Instead, they discover their question triggers a more complex response. Even after years of experience, I am not sure I fully understand the reasons. As a recent dad, I anticipate the question someday coming from my two children. I want a well thought-out answer, though I bet they may ask, “Why don’t adults run?” since running comes naturally to children. Here are my reasons for running.