People ask me all the time why I run. I tell them because it’s something that I enjoy, but in reality, it is so much more than that. There are countless reasons why not only me, but so many other people run. After the question of why I run is asked, it is always followed up with “runners are just crazy”. Well, it’s true, we are a crazy bunch, but we are the happiest bunch of crazy people you will ever meet. It could be from all of the endorphins that are being created while we run or it’s simply because of our love for the sport. I run not only because it’s a passion of mine but because it’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

I run because it allows me to push myself farther than I ever thought possible. Few limits exist in the world of running. The only limits that really happen are the ones you create for yourself. When you don’t put limits on yourself, running will surprise and reward you with doing things and running times you never thought were possible. The desire that every runner has to get better is what allows both their body and mind to break down barriers and push past limits. That is what allows you to do one more repeat when all you want to do is lay down on the ground. That is what allows you to get back up when you fall, or keep going even though you just threw up. Running has taught me that I can push myself harder than I ever imagined and that I can break down every barrier that is set in front of me.

I run because I am in control of my own success or failure. Running, for the most part, is an individual sport. When you train, you're the only one that is determining whether or not you do well. With running, you get exactly what you put into it. If you slack off and don’t do well in a race, there is no one to blame but yourself. When you work hard and push yourself and get a new PR you feel rewarded. Because you know that you were the one to make that happen. You can’t hide in the world of running and that’s what I think a lot of people like about it.

I run because of the feeling I get when I am on the starting line. It is probably one of the best yet worst feelings out there. Nerves set in, race plans run through your head, and adrenaline starts rushing through your body. The official goes through the starting commands and you wait anxiously for the gun to go off. Within those first few steps of the race, all of the nerves and anxiety goes away and it’s just pure adrenaline. It’s hard to describe the exact feelings and emotions but every runner understands.

I run because the world is my training center. All you really need is a pair of sneakers and somewhere to run, which can honestly be anywhere and everywhere. You don’t need a certain field or expensive equipment. Just put on your sneakers and go. Because you can run anywhere you want, you have the opportunity to see so many amazing things. One of the most amazing things about running is that anyone and everyone can do it.

I run because I have met some of the most amazing people through running. Again, runners are crazy, but we are the happiest bunch of crazy people there are. Every runner has the same goal, to get better, and we all know this is everyone’s goal. We all encourage each other and cheer each other on because we want to see every runner do their best. I have rarely ever seen a negative runner. Everyone is always so positive and just happy all the time. Even when they are absolutely dead from a workout or from a race, runners will continue to be positive and smile. There are so many amazing people out there who run. I have met so many inspiring runners who give me so much motivation to keep going and to keep pushing myself. Runners are some of the greatest, most positive and most inspiring people you can ever meet.

Running has allowed me to push my body and my mind farther than I could ever imagine. It has taught me that if you put in the effort you will get the results. Running has allowed me to continue running at any time and any place because the world is my training area. Some of the most amazing people I have ever met were through running. Running easily was one of the best decisions I have ever made and I know it's the same for all other runners out there.