One of my favorite things about running is hearing other peoples stories. Why do they run? What started them out? What kept them going? These are the most inspiring stories. From cancer survivors beating the disease and then conquering a marathon, to those fighting depression or obesity and bettering themselves, to those running in honor of others, for those who can’t – ask a runner why they run. You are likely to be inspired by their answer
Years ago, I ran because it made me feel good. A nice runners high was always a good thing. Maybe I was a junkie, but man, oh man, did it feel good. I ran because it kept me in shape. I ran because it was what I knew. Really it wasn’t anything super special. I just wanted to run. Maybe thats why it was so easy to slip out of that running routine in college. That lack of ‘why’… and so I got lazy
But over the past few years that changed drastically. Now my why is unstoppable. As I battled the demons in my head post ’13 Boston Marathon, I found an invincible why. Now I run for Sean. For Krystle. For Lingzi. For Martin. Now I run for Boston. When life throws a curveball? I hit a home run. When life (or a mini cooper) knocks me down? I get back up, with *more* determination. Torn rotator cuff last year could have easily stopped me from reaching my goal of doing my first triathlon. Sorry. Not gonna happen. I just developed the Bandit Kick. I couldn’t swim with my arms, so I just lay on my back and kicked. Challenge accepted. And conquered. The same goes for my current trials. It would be sooooooo easy to give up now. To throw in the towel. That mini did a number on me. (Seriously, car vs human being? talk about unfair…) I’m in constant pain. My back, my neck, my head, my knees. Still have lingering pain in the knees and the shoulder. This would have sidelined most people, or worse. But that pain pales in comparison to my why. It cannot stop me. t will not stop me.
My brain (on the brink and damaged as Buster Douglas’ was) just barely survived that knockout/killer blow. Down, but not out. Somehow he got up. And somehow I got up. Tyson went for the kill, and failed. Our legal/political/criminal/medical system is going for the kill here. And will fail. His reason, his drive, his desire to win… his why was stronger. So is mine. Sean Collier, Krystle Campbell, Lingzi Lu and Martin Richard are not here today to run themselves. For them, and all the others: I will not stay down. I will get up. I will fight. I will run. And I will win. I don’t care what is thrown at me next. Jab, hook, upper cut, mini cooper, medical bills… My will… My why is stronger