Monday, June 22, 2009

Who Do I Run For?

On this week's Open Mike Episode of the podcast, The Runner’s Roundtable, listeners are being asked to call in with their answers to the question “Who do you run for?”. This got me to thinking.  Do I run for anyone? After giving it some thought the first person who came to mind was me. Not just me, but different versions of me.

I run for my present-day self because, quite simply, running makes me a happier person.

Me (work photo) looking pretty happy I think

I run for my younger, less-empowered self because I now know I can do things I never thought I could do if I work hard and believe in myself.
Me, age 3
Finally, I run for my future, older self because I won’t be able to run forever and I want to make the most of the time I have left. That’s a big one.
Me and my 92-year-old Grandma
As I processed this profound information I also realized that I actually run for a few more people. I run for those of you out there in the universe who are watching me. You follow me on Twitter and you read my blog and I know if I stopped running you’d notice.

I also run for my dog, Fred, who passed away in March. He can’t run and I can. I’m even raising money in his memory by running a Half-Marathon later this week for the SPCA.

And last, but not least, I run for my friends and family. Those people whose lives have been improved a little bit by having a happier version of me around, the most notable being...


...Ian
...my Dad
...my sister

...my Mom
Believe it or not, I can be a bit of a handful at times and I think most of my loved one’s would agree I’m more pleasant to be around now that I’m a runner.

16 comments:

Oz Runner said...

great post!

jeannie said...

I loved this post and the thought answers about who do you run for especially as you describe yourself in the past, present, and future! I'm glad that you're running because I don't think I would have considered it if I wasn't inspired by you.

Mark said...

Nice post, got me thinking....good luck in the HM!

Mauricio Sanchez said...

Fabulous post! we should all take account of why and who we run for. However, I think that most of us, I know I did, would agree with most of what you said and believe that our "whos" are similar to yours...

Melanie J Watts said...

Wonderfully said. You are lucky to have such a supportive loving family. I've been running since February, reading your blog and twitter feed is a big inspiration for me.

Kevin said...

I don't know who is cuter, you or Grandma! God love her! Great post.

Anonymous said...

thanks Nicole, we all think what you're doing is great!!!!luvyu Mom

Mel-2nd Chances said...

all good reasons to run... amazing post. thanks for sharing!

I Run for Fun said...

What an amazing and thought-provoking post! Well-put!

Anonymous said...

Love your post.

Rop said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Maria Spressler (Angelbysea on Twitter) said...

I absolutely LOVED your response to "Who Do I Run for?" You are Inspiring and I look forward to following your progress! REMAIN STRONG!

Alisa said...

Thanks for stopping by. I think I've heard Nik and Dan from 4FR read one of your emails!

Great post. I run for myself (past, present and future) too!

Susan said...

Wonderful, Nicole! And great photos, also. This is an excellent response (past, present, future). I'd have to agree!

stepc said...

Excellent post! I've noticed the positive effects of your running, including inspiring lazy-bones (like me) to get up and get out there.

JavaRunner said...

I think everyone becomes a better person once they become a runner. I know I did - I think!