Joggermom Marathon: Week 1-- Why Do I Run?

Progress: I missed my typical long run this weekend because Brian and I were on a little getaway.  However, I made up for it with an extra short run this week, bringing my total to 9 miles at the end of Week 1.

Why Do I Run? I've had a hard time giving myself an answer to that question.  I don't fun to lost weight, though I have shed a few pounds since beginning six months ago.  I don't fun to improve a specific health problem.  I don't run because I'm an athletic person or because I ran in high school. 

I think I initially began running because I'm competitive.  I wanted a challenge, even if I was only competing against myself.  I wanted to start something difficult and push myself to bring it to completion.  My original goal was to finish the Couch to 5K program and run (not walk) a 5K in the spring.  On my first day of running, I could barely last 1 minute and now I am able to run 5 miles without stopping and I'm working toward 6 miles soon.

Running is still about the challenge for me.  My sister-in-law who is also a runner asked me what  I planned to work toward next, a faster pace or a longer distance.  I told her I might as well go for all of it at the same time!  The first thing I check when I finish a day's run is my stats.  How fast did I go?  How far did I run?  I run to compete against myself.