Why do I run?

On Monday I ran my first race in two years. Something about being pregnant and having a baby …

I’d run the 2.6 mile cross country series at Wickham Park before I had kids, and was excited to return to this particularly scenic race. The trail winds around the park, over fields, and through the woods.

I didn’t expect to win. Or even place in my age group. But I was sorely disappointed with my performance. Something about not training much beforehand …

I am pretty sure the only people who came in behind me were a girl who took a wrong turn and her friend. I hoofed along and wondered why I was running.

at the 2008 Hartford ING half marathon

Why run at all? Why even start? Why try when there are so many better runners ahead of me?

And I realized, “I’ve had this feeling before.” I think those same thoughts about writing, teaching, Christ-following, homemaking, motherhood …

As my feet moved one after the other, I pondered all the reasons to run …

Run, because you may win. {there’s always that chance!}

And if you don’t win, run. Because you may place. But even if you don’t …

Run, because have a goal. A start. A finish. Is better than not having one at all.

Run, to learn the way from those who’ve gone before.

To encourage those who come behind.

Run, to see the beauty of the path you’re on.

Run, to set, achieve, or supercede your goals for the next race. {and there will be one}.

Run, to finish the race.

And if you don’t finish, at least you tried.

And if you didn’t try, at least you cheered us on.

And if you didn’t cheer, at least you were working to make it happen.

Run. Just keep putting that one foot in front of that other foot. You’ll get to the finish line.

And if you think about it… I could be talking about motherhood. Or parenting. Or faith. Or finding a vision for your life.

There’s so many reasons to just. keep. going.

That’s why I run. 

{with Mandy at the Silk City Striders Wickham Park XC Series 2013}