32.2 Reasons I Like to Run

As I mentioned in my last post, I've been in a bit of a running slump lately.  The day after I wrote that post, I was driving and listening to CBC chit chat about the upcoming Terry Fox Run, and I thought, "Amy, you really are a whiney pants!"

I mean, if Terry Fox doesn't inspire you, does anyone?  This guy set out to run across Canada, when he was 22 years old, on one leg, with bone cancer.  He ran a marathon a day for 143 days through the Atlantic provinces, Quebec and Ontario before he had to call it quits as the cancer spread to his lungs.  I'm pretty sure he wasn't coming up with lame-o excuses like bad weather, or lack of sleep, or too much work.  You can read more about Terry Fox and the Terry Fox Foundation here.  I will tell you more about my experience at the Quesnel Terry Fox run that happened today, later this week.

Yesterday, as I drove into town, looking at the haze in the air from the mills in town, I was thinking about Terry Fox and how a little haze wouldn't have stopped him, and it wasn't going to stop me. 

As promised, I spent each kilometer thinking about why I run.  Here it goes:

1.  Ok, I lied.  I started out thinking about the pain behind my knee that has come back.  Ouch.  But then I started thinking that I like running because it keeps me in touch with my body.  Both of my grandfathers, my grandmother, my mom and my dad have died from cancer, and I know running won't necessarily keep me from getting sick - but if something's awry with my body, I'll know about it, toute suite!

2.  Running way under last year's half marathon goal pace and it's feeling comfortable.  I like running because I see myself getting faster.

3.  The haze is lifting, and it's turning into a beautiful fall day.  I like running because it lets me enjoy the beautiful weather.

4.  I like running because it gets me out of the house.  I work from home, so days could pass without seeing the outdoors if I didn't run.

5.  Big uphill here - I like running because hills like this used to be hard, and now they are no problem.

6.  After doing a loop around a neighbourhood, I ran onto the river walk trail.  There were a lot of people out running, walking and cycling on the path.  I like running because it makes Quesnel feel friendlier.

7.  Gel time.  I like running because I can eat whatever I want and not worry about the calories.

8.  I like running because I meet new people. Ok, this hasn't really happened yet, but I still feel like there's potential for this to happen. (Maybe at my winter running class?!)

9.  I like running because even though I can eat whatever I want, I want to eat more healthier things.

10.  I like running because when I'm eating healthier and running a lot, I also drink more water and less wine. 

11.  I like running because it saves me money.  Water is cheaper than wine.

12.  Back at my car for some Gatorade and to refill my handheld, and do a little stretch in the park.  I like running because if I wasn't running right now, I'd be cleaning my house, and this is much better than cleaning.

13.  I like running because of how I am going to feel when this is finished.

14.  I like running because when the BF's brother starts boring me with hunting talk, I can change the subject and bore him with running talk.

15.  I like running because I'm pushing myself.

16.  I like running because I can buy myself things guilt-free by calling them "rewards."

17.  I like running because it let's me check out different neighbourhoods in town and I always know which houses are for sale and can go home and look at them on MLS to see how they look inside, not because I want to buy, but because I'm curious.  (Am I the only one who does this?)

18.  Oh.  My.  Goodness.  I need to pee.  I head towards a Mac's.  I like running because it makes me less self-conscious of my own appearence in public.

19.  Back on the trail, a guy in cargo shorts, a cotton tee and a baseball cap rips past me, then stays at a steady pace about 10 feet ahead of me.  I like running because I'll never need to be that guy.

20.  I like running because these trails are pretty and I wouldn't use them if I wasn't running.

21.  Coming up behind another runner - I like running because my calves are starting to look like those calves.

22.  Back at the car, more Gatorade, more stretching, another gel to go.  I like running because if I hadn't needed these gels this morning, I wouldn't have gone into my local health food store, and I wouldn't have got that free tub of natural peanut butter for free on customer appreciation day for being one of the first 20 customers on a Saturday morning.

23.  I like running because I feel better overall when I run than when I don't. I started running because I was in a bit of a life slump, funny that I should get myself out of a running slump by running farther than I ever have before!


24.  I like running because I like hitting new distances.  (What does that mean for post-marathon?)
 
25.  I need another bathroom break.  I like running because I'm more "regular" when I run. 
 
26.  I'm starting to die now.  16K on Thursday, 8K on Friday and 32.2 on Saturday aren't sounding like such a great idea anymore.  I like running because I learn about my limits.
 
27.  I like running because I can push beyond my limits.
 
28.  I like running because of the unexpected encouraging and inspiring community I've found in bloggy-land.
 
29.  I like running because a little walk break can make the next kilometer a lot easier.
 
30.  I like running because taking an ice bath just sounds so hard core.
 
31.  For some reason, at this point, I remembered a moment at a wedding with a friend a few years ago.  The friend had just run a half marathon with no training.  He said to me, "You could do it.  You could do a full marathon without training.  You're made for running."  I think he didn't know what he was talking about with the no training part - but I like the sounds of it.  I like running because I'm made for it.
 
32.  I like running because I have enough left to finish strong.
 
.2.  I like running because I know I can finish my marathon on October 10th.
 
 
 
Longest run before the marathon - DONE!!  I kept my watch running through 3 bathroom stops, 3 stops at my car for Gatorade and 3 quick stops to stretch out the back of my knee.  Total time 3:22.  Definitely slower than the last couple of long runs, but without a rest day leading into this run, and the stops to stretch and use the bathroom, I'm happy with the time. 
 
Funny thing on this run - I felt full the entire time.  I had to really force myself to refuel because I felt like my dinner from the night before was sitting in my stomach throughout the run - this also explains the extra bathroom stops.  Note to self:  deep fried calamari, wine, pasta with cream sauce and cheesecake for dessert do not make a good pre-run meal!