Why Run by Alicia Coil

Rate x Time = Distance
My Journey Journal
By Alicia Coil

Why Run?

The most often asked question when I say that I’m training to run a marathon is, “why run?” A fair question. After a little thought, I came up with my top 5 reasons to run.

5. Workout Outside!
Spring is here! The weather is nice; why not take advantage of the outdoors? Who wants to be inside a stuffy, crowded gym working out on machines? Outside, James and I enjoy the sunshine and fresh air, choosing different routes and scenery everyday.

4. Long Term Goal
Running 26.2 miles (or 13.1 miles, I haven’t quite decided yet) is a BIG GOAL!  By breaking it into smaller goals, I have a sense of accomplishment at every step. At the gym, you workout by doing endless reps on the machines and mark achievement by adding more boring reps. But running, each week I move closer and closer to the Big Event. And going slowly, I track my progress by every goal reached, no matter how small, knowing I am a little stronger and running a little farther than the week before.

3. Get In Shape
One thing I have always noticed about runners is they have long, lean muscles and bodies. I want to be in better shape, but I don’t want to bulk up. I’m not very tall; 5 feet even, so leaner is better. And in my research, I’ve also noticed that training for a run is so much more than just running. It emphasizes nutrition as fuel for hard working muscles and a greater sense of health in all aspects for overall wellness, which leads me to…

2. Strong Body = Strong Mind
Running is a great way to work out stress and tension in both my body and mind. It allows me uninterrupted time to think, as well as the ability to spend the excess energy of tense muscles. And, this is my own personal opinion and I can’t prove it, but I believe an active, strong, healthy, fit body facilitates an active, strong, sharp, healthy mind. If I can encourage a sharp mind as I get older by becoming more fit and healthy now, and maintaining physical activity throughout the upcoming years, why not? Seems like a no-brainer!

And my Number 1 reason to run…

1. The Stamina to Keep Up with My Daughter!
I am 48 years old and I have a 4 year old daughter and 3 grand children ranging in ages between 1 and 3 years old. They have limitless energy! I have a responsibility to set a good example for these little ones. When I complete a training session, I am exhausted, but feel stronger and energized. At this point of my rookie training, I am incorporating running with brisk walks. Each week, I will run more, farther and longer, building the strength and stamina I need to keep up with these bundles of energy for years to come!