Family, Inspiration & Motivation, Running & Fitness

Find The Reason

Matt Orlando
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Running is tough.  Yeah, I said it.  Sure, you’ll always hear how great running is, how it gives you this runner’s high, how’s there’s nothing else like it.  You’ll hear that running can take you places nothing else can…through mountains, along beaches, and through the urban jungle.  “Running has such great health benefits,” they’ll say.  “It keeps your muscles toned, your weight down, and your cardiovascular system in tip-top shape.” Runners will just go on and on about the joy and benefits of their sport…never really to discuss the side stitches, emergency “stomach” issues, twisted ankles and pulled muscles that plague even the best of them.

So the truth is, like I said earlier, running is tough.  And to get through anything that’s tough, especially something that is strictly voluntary, you need a reason.  I’m not talking your “I want to lose 10lbs” or “It gives me a reason to be outside” reasons either.  Just like with a diet, that type of reasoning is easy to quit.  You need a solid reason that is close to your heart, that really hits home.  One that, despite the heat, rain, snow, tiredness, stress, and laziness, just like the post office you’re going to get out there every day and make it happen.  You might have one, you might have many, and they might change over time…but the bottom line is you need one to make sure you stay dedicated to your success as a runner.

So what’s my reason?  After taking a year off of running, I found my reason on August 24th, 2012 at 1:59 p.m.  My first child, Jacob, was born at 9lbs 0oz and 21.5 inches (more on the birth story in a later post).

I run now for him, so that when he’s able to crawl, run, and walk, I’ll be able to keep up with him.  I run for him so that when he wants to run with Daddy, I can  be there with him every step of the way.  I run to keep myself healthy, so that I’ll be there for the birthdays, the highs and the lows, the milestones, and most importantly for that Father / Son time that is so precious yet from what I’m told so fleeting as they grow up faster than you want.  I love my son dearly, so it’s for him that I run…and hopefully one day he’ll have grown to out run his Daddy!

Let’s Hear It!

What’s your reason to run?  Leave some love (or hate) in the comments below and be sure to share!