Run-Down Forums

[Guest]

I'm doing a graduate research project and could use some help. Why do you run races? What makes you keep coming back for more. If you could tell me your favorite races and why plus any interesting running stories that would be great as well. Thanks!

[Anonymously Posted by: 'realbigcat']

[Dan]

Wow, that's the toughest question there is... I don't remember how many times friends have asked me why I stuck with running (and not always in a complimentary fashion), and I never could come up with a good answer. It's not an addiction like people are quick to write it off as, but it's a very strong intangible connection.

Favorite race? Easy, the 800m. The one race where it's equally fun to spectate or participate in, where speed, endurance, and strategy all meet head on!

For running stories, I've put a few together on the page appropriately title, 'running stories.'

Dan

[Guest]

What encourages people to come to the line time after time is a question that I guess each person asks themselves at one point or anouther.

As for me it is the altimate challenge. As a college athlete, each time I toe the line, it offers me the opprotunity to test my character. No I haven't won everyrace I have ever run, but I have run every race with that intention. This attitude has allowed me to compete against and even beat athletes who are much more talented then I. It is hard to race with this type of intensity because if I don't succeed I have no one else to fault but myself. This was rough until I was able to detach my self worth from the results by saying all I can do is give 100% and be happy with the results. Each time I am successful it is evidence that with persistance and hardwork, one can achieve what ever they put there mind out to do.
It allows me to prove to myself and others that I am truely in control of my destiny and I hope it can inspire others to take control of there's in the same way.
Sincerely,

Cari

[Anonymously Posted by: 'Cari']

[Dan]

Very good points, Cari. That is exactly why many people fall short of the true 100% effort -- the fear of failure. It is much easier to give 99% and have an excuse waiting in the wings just in case...

Dan

[Guest]

"You have to wonder at times what you're doing out there. Over the years, I've given myself a thousand reasons to keep running, but it always comes back to where it started. It comes down to self-satisfaction and a sense of achievement."

That's what Steve Prefontaine said.

[Anonymously Posted by: 'A. Fan']

[Micah Ward]

In high school I was a bench warmer in every sport I tried. In college I started running to lose weight. I discovered road races in 1979 and I was hooked. Racing gave me an opportunity to be an athlete. That may not mean much to some people but it is very important to me. No matter how old I get I can toe the line at any weekend road race and compete, can be an athlete. Occasionally I will go to a race that is small enough that I will win an age group medal. When my name is called and those dozen people still standing around applaud, I feel like I am getting an Olympic medal. That is why I race.

[Dan]

Running does provide a unique mixture of individuality and comraderie. Everyone can participate equally and discover the extent of their talents and desires.

Dan