I was in an especially thoughtful kind of mood today, spending some time chewing over those very important, real-life kinds of issues.
Things like, why can’t I sleep past 6 o’clock on a Saturday? Or, why do cold oats never keep me as full as warm? And, why am I still using St. Patrick’s Day napkins on April 2?
Because, you know, these are all very important, current, real-life issues that must be mulled over every now and then.
The real question, however, was this: Why do I feel the need to run?
Some would argue the point that runners run because they can. Plain and simple.
But that answer just doesn’t work for me. Because theoretically, I could go bungee jumping…”because I can.” But I don’t. I could eat an entire cake in one sitting…”because I can.” But I don’t. I could walk up to a tall, dark and handsome stranger, give him my number, and tell him to call me…“because I can.” Theoretically. But I don’t.
So what is it about running that lures me in? Why do I run? Why do you run?
This is what I came up with…
When I run, I pray. Sometimes I pray just to keep me focused. Sometimes I do it just because it feels good to finally be alone and talking to God. And sometime do it just to get my mind off of the way that my legs are starting to feel like dead weights hanging from my body. 😉
When I run, life feels more simple. My schedule suddenly makes sense. My days don’t seem so crazy. I feel focused and ready to embrace all that life brings.
When I run, I am strong.
When I run, I feel free. No phones, gadgets, internet connections (even worse, lack of) or demands. I am alone. I am content. I am blissfully free.
Yes, bungee jumping is something that I could, theoretically, do. But it wouldn’t really make life seem more simple. It wouldn’t make me feel free in a good way. And while I would be talking to God, I wouldn’t necessarily be praying. More like begging and pleading for my life.
And so, take it or leave it, this is why I run.
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Grilled Salmon
This salmon is simple enough to make for a busy weeknight, but delicious enough to serve when company comes over. It also makes the perfect post-running fuel, as its chock full of omega 3 fatty acids which may help to reduce inflammation.
Serve with your favorite veggies and some mashed sweet potatoes, rice, or a baked potato. Enjoy!
- 1 lb. wild caught salmon
- 1 tsp lite soy sauce
- garlic powder
- freshly ground black pepper
- fresh or dried parsley
- Heat grill to medium heat.
- Drizzle salmon with soy sauce and sprinkle with garlic powder, pepper and parsley. Cook skin side down on grill for about 5 minutes. Flip. Continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes, depending on desired doneness. Fish will flake easily with a fork when finished. Avoid overcooking. ENJOY! 😀
QUESTION: What is your exercise of choice? What makes this your favorite?
Running To Slow Things Down 
You know I am all about running 😉
Oh yum, what a delicious looking dinner! Salmon is one of my favorites 🙂
My favorite exercise is probably swimming – to some it seems monotonous and boring, but I love slicing through the water 🙂 I’m also a big fan of any kind of team sport…I miss them from my high school days!
I would love to learn how to be a better swimmer someday! That’s such a great workout and I absolutely *love* being in the water. 😀
I love this :] I think riding is to me as running is to you. Just sort of my time to be completely focused on what we’re doing. I can’t quite ponder the rest of my life or anything since that might spell disaster – but it’s just a time to enjoy myself and my horse. (although I think I might be getting into this running thing faster than I thought I would!)
First, that breakfast topping looks delicious. Is that pumpkin?
Second, I’ve been getting more and more into running the past few years, and just started training for my first half marathon. On my non-running days though, I love to go hiking when I can. The cool air, the beautiful sights, and getting into nature all make me really happy.
It’s actually a big ol’ scoop of teddy’s peanut butter. 😀
Hiking is such a wonderful (i.e. FUN) exercise. I can hardly wait for summer when I’ll be hiking regularly once again. 😀
Great post! Running is such amazing thing, and I really like why you love it so much. Running is a bit different for everyone, but it’s great to hear different peoples perspective on it. Alot of people run for different reasons, but at the end of the day I don’t care I’m just glad so many people enjoy it so much.
Running is almost like a high to me some days. I always run with music so I’m never really totally away from gadgets, but I am a huge music fan so it keeps me motivated. When I first started loosing weight I hated running, but I eventually became to like it, love it, and now I can’t go too long without running or working out. It’s amazing how good running can make a person feel. Such a simple thing can be so beautiful and bring so much joy to people.
I love running for many of the same reasons you do–it makes me feel free, strong, and centered. I am praying that these stress fractures heal ASAP so I can back to it!
I love running, but — right now — it’s hard because I’ve been lazy… 😉 But I’m excited about getting back into it!
We run so we can buy cool shoes every six months (or 400 miles)!
I love food and sharing recipes. I really enjoy reading your blog very much. Thanks for sharing this post.
A Delicious Potato Soup Recipe
I love running because it’s a great escape, when I’m not fighting with myself to keep going. I am definitely an introvert, and running allows me the time to just escape from the world for a bit.
I love your blog =] Your eats always look amazing! x
I love lifting weights. I don’t know what it is about it – I just love it!
You salmon plate looks fabulous. That’s my kind of fuel!
I love running because I can really focus my thoughts. Just today I wrote a passionate letter to President Obama and the superintendent of schools telling them what’s wrong with the education of our children, I came up with a new jewelry design and figured out what I’m going to photograph today. Problem is, by the time I get home my passionate letter has escaped me. I think I need to run with a recorder so I can capture all those focused ideas permanently.
I love this! And its so true. I think a recorder could come in very handy. 😀
I enjoy working out with weights: toning, strengthening…but my two most favorite modes of exercise would have to be cycling and hiking — really, anything that gets me outdoors to enjoy the beautiful scenery around me is wonderful in my book!
Love this post. It was neat to read the reasons why you run. When I run, it is the only time that it’s just me and God, even if I’m running with other people. No one can get in my head, I can’t think of lists and things I have to do. It’s just me, being silent (though not necessarily still) before the Lord, running outside in his creation. It’s weird, how others can hash things out when they’re running. For me, it’s hard to think. It’s about the only time that my mind is a blank slate. I thank God for that, and I really do believe it’s a blessing to be able to run and just be.
Thanks for the salmon recipe!
For me, it’s got to be running that makes me feel great. 99% of it is on a treadmill I’ll admit and it’s interval training mainly but I switch off and the treadmill is the only thing I concentrate on 🙂
FYI that salmon looks amazing!
I’m so happy to have read this. My 1/2 marathon is Sunday. I run because it makes me feel strong, it clears my mind, it’s good for my soul. I run because it’s my only time by myself.