Why I run

A quick quote from Twitter’s Biz that I just saw (paraphrased): “Roller-coaster is a good description of a start-up. Sometimes it’s fun, and sometimes you want to throw up.” (Tweeted by Mark, and definitely resonated!)

Now that obligatory startup bit is over, I’d like to talk about running.

This picture (by mrhayata) is sadly not me, but it captures how running makes me feel. I started with a beginners’ group about three months ago (I always seem to get on better with hard stuff if I join groups) and after wheezing my way to a 30 second trot in week one, I am now entering my first 5K run in, ooh, about two weeks’ time.

I’m pretty scared, but also excited. Running is great, for me – at this stage, there’s measurable progress each and every time I run. I manage things now I don’t think I could ever have done. I get off the treadmill or return home and suddenly think wow, I ran for twenty-five minutes straight or wow, that was Arthur’s Seat or other such things. Sure, by my marathon-running flatmate’s standards, I’m barely even walking, but it’s still — shiny numbers going up, progress, and achievement. Microrewards are definitely how I motivate, and why I run.