Another Perspective

In my first post I invited anyone to write me an email describing their running story. Here is one that comes from one of my good friends and running buddy:

"Running in my life began as a chore. I hated it with a passion. Playing soccer growing up, the only running that I wanted to be apart of was running to chase a ball. Any training running was considered evil in my mind. I knew running kept me fit for playing long periods of time, and was for the overall benefit of the team but my personal feelings for it swelled with hatred."

"As competitive sports ended, playing became fun and recreational. Being pushed by coaches to go harder and faster was no longer a downer on my soul."

"I avoided running for the most part the first year after my high school sports ended, but went occasionally just to keep fit. Running wasn't a passion, but it wasn't a hatred anymore either since it was for myself. I did love the feeling of doing better for myself."

"I took a two year journey to Oregon, moving around the state to teach people about Jesus Christ. While there, a feeling of higher athleticism and opportunity to improve came upon me. Eugene, a city known as "Track Town U.S.A.", is in Oregon and rubbed off on me. I tried to get people to go running with me as this passion developed but not many would accompany me. Then returning back to Utah, a beast was unleashed."

"Running became a big part of my life. I went multiple times a week, if not every day. I progressed from short 1.5-3 mile runs, to doing 4-8 mile runs constantly. My speed improved and I was motivated to keep improving. I had a sense of accomplishment and wanted to keep improving my times. I got motivated to enter races when a friend of mine got big into running as well. Now I am a running fanatic, entering races multiple times a year. Recently, I had ACL and meniscus surgery, putting my running on hold for 5 months. I am just beginning to run without pain, and loving the satisfaction that comes from a good run. The worst part is trying to get back to my old, fit self. It's time for a new adventure to begin and the motivation of knowing where I used to be will push me to get back to where I was and keep improving. I love running and will push everyone around me to find the passion in running!"

Things I notice from his story:

• If you hate running at first, keep going!
• Find friends to run with, they will inspire you more than anything
• Once you're hooked it's hard to leave

If you want your story posted here send me an email at whyyourun@gmail.com.

In one month my team will be competing in Ragnar Las Vegas, (if you're not familiar with Ragnar I suggest you visit ragnarrelay.com and check it out today!) during the whole 24 hour run I'll be keeping you up to date via twitter feed as we try to win the whole thing! Follow @whyyourun today to stay up to date with our training and for the live feed Nov. 8-9.

And as always, don't forget to share! :)