I have recently found myself in a love-hate relationship. That love-hate relationship is with: running. I hated running as a child. I hated running three years ago. I hated running about two months ago. I have gone in stages of when I love running and when I hate running. This summer I had one goal and that was to run three times a week. A lot of people have asked me why I run, well here is why.

1. It encourages me to wake up and enjoy more of my day.

Of course, I would love to sleep in until 7:00 everyday before work but when I know I have a running day, I am up no later than 5:30 am. This might seem awful to you and I'm not going to lie, two months ago, I thought it was the worst thing that could happen to me. Now, I love it. I love running and watching the sun rise and I feel like I'm the only person in the world outside. I also get to enjoy more of the day and I feel like I can accomplish so much more.

2. It energizes me.

I don't know how physically exhausting my body can possibly give me energy but it does. I find the days that I wake up at 5:30 in the morning to run are the days that I am more active and energized during the day. The days that I get to sleep in a little later tend to be the days that I'm yawning at 3:30 in the afternoon wishing I could have a coffee.

3. It is constant motivation.

I am the kind of person that needs to have goals to work for. I sign up for races and this gives me something to work for. I make sure that I make the time to get my run in and to make sure that I am cross training and conditioning myself in a healthy way. Even the days that I wish I could sleep in, I'm motivated by the fact that with each run, I get a little stronger.

4. It has gotten me healthier.

Since I've started running, I've had an overall healthier life. I feel a lot less stressed because running is a good way to fight some stress. Running has also improved my weight and my overall confidence.

5. I have an escape.

When I'm out running I tend to just concentrate on the running. It is nice to start my mornings with a little escape from reality and just focus on the run with some music. My running time is also some of the only time during my day that I'm alone so it's enjoyable to have some me time as well.

6. I have something to be proud of.

I always thought that I would never be a runner because I hated running. Everyday that I wake up extra early and get my run in, I feel proud of myself. I was able to accomplish something that I thought I could never do. I now find myself with the motivation and the desire to sign up for more races.

If you are a runner, share with me: why do you run?