5 Reasons Why I Love Running

I’ve had some people ask why I selected running as part of my Three in Three Challenge. Off the top of my head, I can think of five reasons why I love running:

1. Running helps release stress.
When I decided to quit smoking I knew that I would need another avenue to release stress. In the past I would reach for my cigarettes. Although running isn’t as convenient as smoking, running is definitely healthier!

2. Running burns calories.
This one obviously supports my weight loss goal. I could probably achieve my weight loss goal without exercise. However, I find that when I exercise I am also more conscious about what I put into my body. I make better selections when I know that the food I eat and the liquids I drink help to fuel my runs.

3. Running allows me to train for a specific goal.
I am a goal oriented person. As a professional project manager, I have been trained and conditioned to think about goals and to break down goals into manageable pieces. I have broken down my ultramarathon goal and running fits nicely into this mindset.

4. Running clears my mind.
I find when I am running that I am able to think more clearly about issues that I might be working through. I come up with some pretty interesting ideas while on the trail. I am not sure what it is about running, but it just helps me get stuff out of my head so I can move on to other stuff.

5. Running makes me happy.
Bottom line, I just love running, especially on the trails. That wasn't always the case--when I first started running wasn't much fun. But now, when I complete my run I feel good about myself. I feel like I have accomplished something of value. I look forward to my next run with great anticipation.

I suspect there are hundreds of reasons why people love running. What are your reasons?