#WhyIRun

My solution for everything—a bad grade, a stressful day, yelling coaches, homework galore, even overwhelmingly-fabulous news—RUNNING. It’s freeing, exhilarating, relaxing, and never fails to make me smile from ear to ear.

The first time I ran for fun, I had no idea what I was doing. I was stressed so I put on my running shoes and just bolted. Out the door I went; no destination in mind, no idea what I was really doing. All I knew was that I wanted to get away from all the hustle and bustle and just breathe. Ever since, I have been hooked. It’s something I crave and a big part of who I am.

I’ll admit it, I’m pretty competitive and a bit of a perfectionist—I can’t help it. But we all want to be our best…unbeatable and unstoppable. When I am running I feel invincible. Whether it be a 22 minute 5k or a 8 mile run on a hot day, the freedom that comes from running is exhilarating. I enjoy that, in running, the word “perfect” does not exist. With every run comes the desire for more and the drive towards excellence. When I run, I can persist until I hit my goal and the harder I work, the better I get, but there is always one more thing I can do—longer, tougher, faster, stronger.

So, ask me what the best part of my day is! Do it! My answer, hands down, is RUNNING. I kid you not, it makes a world of difference. Yes, I said it, pushing myself to my limits on a run is the most exhilarating part of my day! My “happy hour” is in running shoes.