Spot on, Bertha

I keep getting asked about my Fall marathon like I must have a Fall marathon.  It's a valid question though, if one wonders why someone would run 1.5-2 plus hour runs on weekends without a plan or goal in mind.  I wonder the same thing myself sometimes, when my alarm clock goes off at 5 am on a Saturday and I grab Gatorade, snacks and dollar bills on my way out the door, keys in my teeth, pulling my cap down low, rubbing the sleep out of my eyes, and hopping on one leg to get my shoe on.  Or when I pop an ibuprofen in the afternoon, achey and tired after my morning exploits in the oppresive heat.

"Why?" one might ask.  "What's the point?"

I didn't exactly know how to articulate the answer, even though articulating things is my specialty (I hope my editor isn't reading this).  I know I always feel better after my run, even if I'm depleted in my body - my soul is full.  I know I need that time with my friends.  But as far as a goal...?  A method to my madness and my miles...?  Hmmmm. 

One morning this week I read a devotional before my run and had one of those "Ahhhh-HA!" moments where I can picture the cartoon lightbulb in a bubble over my head.  The devotional theme was a reflection on the importance of preparedness.

It began by saying, "Bless me and make me a blessing."  Then it went on to explain that the biggest way we can help those we love is by having already helped ourselves. This means we are supposed to deal with our own stuff, tidy up our own lives and our own hearts.  We are supposed to work at our fitness (I of course use this word, the author didn't) in all capacities (spiritual, mental, emotional, physical), and not simply because it is an end in itself, but because we are in a constant state of being made ready.  If we are fit, in every sense of that word, then when someone we love needs us, we can make a difference for them.  In that way, and in many others, every hill is a metaphor...we trudge up it knowing that we may be called upon to carry someone else up it the next time.  In this manner and for this reason, we work hard to be stronger, fitter, faster, more agile.  Fitness has a purpose far beyond vanity, beyond even good health, when a person is trained to think of it in these terms.

The author of this particular devotional is a woman named Bertha Munro.  She had one line in there that buckled my knees; a line that summed up everything about fitness to me.  Here it is:  "You cannot always do something to help your friends, but you can always be something to help them..."

Okay, that's it.  That's why I train, right there.  Thanks, Bertha.  I don't train because I want to be able to do things (run a faster 5K, beat my marathon PR, make someone eat my dust on a trail...though those things aren't bad....).  I train because I want to be someone better than I would be if I didn't train.  If someone I love is faltering, I want to be the kind of woman who can haul some ass; I want to be first on the scene.  I want to be strong enough to carry some of his/her burden along with my own.  I want to have a clear head and a clear heart, so if I am asked for advice I can offer wisdom instead of mere opinion. If my big opportunity arises to serve, I want to be ready.  If it takes more out of me than I anticipated, I want to know something about endurance.  If the terrain suddenly changes, I want to be steady.  If someone I love looks at me with eyes full of fear, terrified that they won't be able to finish whatever happens to lie ahead of them, I want to look at them, wordless, with unblinking eyes that assure them that there is no way that they won't.

That, right there, is why I run.  In case you were wondering. 

Why do you run?

Comments

Thank you for presenting a deeper meaning as to why we run. Your words offered a strong clarity of purpose for what we as runners do, day in and day out. Thanks for the insight.

Thank you for always being an inspiration! I needed this today!!

I run for peace of mind. I run for clarity. I run to be the best wife and mother that I can be. I run because I am blessed enough to be able to run.

Amen!

I think most of us 'long time runners' get asked that question at some point (if not several times or repeatedly). I run for many of the reasons that Kristen has talked about through various columns, although this one sums it up nicely, along with cg's paraphrasing. My usual answer to people... "I run to commune with God through mind, body, and spirit." The time spent in solitude or with trusted friends offers peace and clarity for mind and body in all of life's situations, whether the run itself is joyful bounding when the air is cool and your legs feel fresh and all is right with the world, the tearfilled prayers over the miles for family and other loved ones (or yourself) going through hard times, or the hard pounding to get the anger out when going through some tough times. All of it brings peace to the soul. I remember getting back from a long run one Sunday and a friend said "How was your run?" I answered "It started feeling pretty good around mile 7." He said "That's what I don't get... why do you run when it doesn't even feel good until mile 7?" You know... if you're not a runner, you may never understand it. But if you are, you know exactly what I mean.

Kristin,You hit the nail on the head. I love your articles!!

I read this blog entry (which is amazing). I searched for the right words to explain why I run. Explaining the connection I have to running is like trying to put words to explaining God. You must have the experience! I am blessed to know both...

Thank you for sharing your life and your running experiences ... your "big opportunity" to serve has already arrived...you are serving the greater good by sharing yourself each time you write.

From one Kristin to another...

Thank you so much for these inspirational words. I am new to the running world, and I know there is no turning back. I know my friends sometimes think I am crazy when I meet them for breakfast and I have already put in 10 miles, and nothing I say can convey why I do it. Thank you for not only putting words to it, but feeling and meaning too.

Great Post Kristin... well said!

Why do I run?....hmmm

my FIRST race in Sept. will be a 50 miler in the Grand Tetons, people said "why don't u do other races before u do 50 miles"...nope...why?!!

Cause I want to see how I am built mentally rather then physically... when the body says stopppp...how will I respond?? will I fold like a blanket or will I press on....that's WHY I run!

...now this has not been a foolish effort either, I hired a running coach, I went to running camp in Death Valley...I logged the hours/miles & been talking and learning a ton from others

Thanks again on a great post & a question that everyone who is reading this blog BETTER be able to answer or YOU won't be running for long :-(

Kristin~
Could you answer a couple of questions for me? I was wondering where I could find this devotional you were speaking of by Bertha Munro? Also, I know you have said you run early in the morning, and I have a question about that...Due to my busy life-style, I try to work-out in the mornings also, but I can't seem to find the energy to get out of bed, or if I do make it out of bed, I am so sleepy and lethargic, I can't seem to run as efficiently as I would if it was in the afternoon. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you for all your iinspirations!

Thanks for the wonderful post. I'm right there with you. I always have an oppurtunity to serve and running keep me filled so I can give back to others!

This post is perfect timing for me - I had the frustrating experience of being beaten in a race by a friend who smokes, drinks and doesn't sleep or eat as carefully as I do. It made me wonder, why am I doing all this training, why am I logging all these miles and enduring all these early mornings and sweat-drenched, fatiguing, mentally challenging aspects of training when I don't end up further ahead of someone I think I should be able to pass in a race? You reminded me - it's not about the race, it's about life. It's about the self - the self I can be when I do this training, the strength I am building in my body and in my mind, and the preparations I am making for the day when the challenges are more than just a race. Thanks, Kristin.

I love to read all of your posts, Kristin. They really are so inspiring. I look forward to a new positive message from you each week. AND, I really find such enjoyment from reading all the comments as well. Kristin, you seemed to have brought together (through your writings) a group of people that also bring such positive energy and thoughtful messages for all of us to read too. I am getting back into running as well and have found such joy from my feet hitting the pavement again!! I believe I am a better wife and mother because I am allowing myself a bit of "me" time. Trying to do that guilt-free! Thank you again for your words each week!

I run because I think if I gave it up it would be no time before I'd be clinically depressed. It absolutely does fix my chemical imbalance and helps me put all my "problems" in perspective. I used to take Prozac and Ritalin, now I don't need either -- am medication-free, knock on wood! :) It defogs my brain, makes me feel tranquil, and keeps me from being obsessive about other things. I regret not having done it my entire life, but oh well! Just thankful I have it now.

I started running because a friend lost his legs and I felt like I was taking mine for granted. I've kept on running because it clears my head, reminds me my problems are small, and gives me a chance to think of others' needs. I'll continue to run so that my little kids can someday join me, like I joined my dad in my first marathon. There's nothing better than finishing a race with your hero.

I am 2 weeks from my 3rd 1/2 marathon and have been questioning my reasons for running, especially when I wake up at 4am because I am nervous I will miss my 5am alarm. Krisin, thank you for putting into words what my heart has been trying to tell me for 4 years. I need to run, that is why I run. Bless you.

All I can say to this is "rock on". I've had the same thoughts and questions - wondering why I've been pushing myself physically so much recently - and this is the conclusion I would/should be coming to. This is exactly what I've been feeling. Thanks for again putting my thoughts to words, even before I knew what I was thinking.

what an absolutely beautiful entry...took the words right out of my heart, so to speak. thank you for this article, it really hit home for me!

Thank you for these words. Over the weekend, I had to leave a big party early because I was exhausted after a 16 mile training run. One of the guests asked my friend why I would run 16 miles, knowing that I had a party to attend that night. I've been struggling with the idea that someone could fail to comprehend why I would put training above other commitments. I've kind of forgotten how the rest of the world thinks about these things. Your words solidified my sense of purpose, regardless of what others might think about my priorities. Training isn't just preparation for my RACE, its preparation for my LIFE.

Torrey, you bring up a good point. Priorities. You don't mention what the big party, but assuming it wasn't your son's wedding or your husband's 40th birthday bash or your mother's retirement celebration, it probably shouldn't have taken priority over your scheduled long run. Nevertheless, it made me think about something:

Running is important to us and takes dedication. It requires that we put in the times and miles, push ourselves physically and mentallyand make certain sacrifices. Kristin articulates here that running can be something we do for others, not just ourselves. But for this to be true, we have to recognize sometimes it's just as important to skip or reschedule a run or forego a race simply because something/someone else is more important. If our running always takes priority, we are being selfish. None of us are out to set new world records or suppport our families with our race winnings (!). We should be running to live , not living to run. Most of us recognize this, but sometimes we all need reminding.

This brings to mind an earlier post of Kristin's where she wrote about skipping a race to spend the day with her kids just because it felt right, and the rewards that decision brought them all. I went back and found it under the March posts and it's called Who, Me? I think it's a good companion to this piece.

I run because I meditate effortlessly when I do. The peace of mind that I seek is always found. It is the time where many of my troubles dissolve and problems resolved. I continue to run because my life is always more complete when I do.

Wow Kristen, your post this week started so unassuming, and then, POW, a wonderful essay on the awesomeness of running and its tie to spirituality! Well done, and thank you! I tell people and share your posts all the time because they are so full of life, and you really have a talent for summing up the joy of running. Keep 'em coming!

Wow, what a great post, I'm printing it out and putting it right next to your "Pretty Strong" article which reminds me why I do what I do, and gave me a huge "Ahhhh-Ha" moment. I agree you do articulate well! I don't run with the exception of the occasional intervals on the treadmill, but I do lift weights and work 6 days a week at improving my fitness level. I do it to be a role model for my daughter, to stop the cycle of obesity in my family and hopefully show them the way, and because through finding fitness I finally found a me that I can be proud of. Your writings hit home for runners and non-runners alike. Thank you.

I started running as cross-training for soccer. I kept running because I proved to be good enough to run competitively. For a while, I ran because I was struggling emotionally with certain issues and it was a good control mechanism for me (rough, unhealthy period in my life). Following that, I ran because I enjoyed the new, healthy challenges that marathons brought on.
After a long, painful winddown of my gears, the running's stopped. I really can't remember the last time I was able to run with an uncompromised stride and pain-free. I refuse to stop seeking out doctors or treatments until a solution can be reached. Maybe I won't be able to rejoin the 26.2 crowd, but I HAVE to get back to running. It's my piece of mind, my strength, my competitive streak, my camraderie, my confidence booster, and the one eye in the storm that is me. I miss it so much. Thanks for the post. It's everything I've ever wanted to be able to say.