Why do you run? Interview series 1

I thought that it might be interesting over the next month or so to read some real life examples from other BMRs on why they run and the reasons behind their love and struggles with the sport.

Lets face it, none of us bounce out of bed everyday ready for a run, but we all know that we will feel a million times better within ourselves and with ourselves if we make the effort to get out there. I thought that if we could share the ups and downs of busy lives, a few hints on mixing love of family with the love of running maybe we could all learn something.

And if you do bounce out of bed ready for a run, more power to you! Please can you pass your secrets on?

The first interview is with a very dear friend of mine, who actually was one of two fabulous ladies who were instrumental in pushing me to run. I need a big push. BIG.

Brisbane Mother Runner: KMG

When did I start running?

I started running technically about 7 years ago when i did my first 10km J2J fun run and gee I wish I had of kept it up then! I stopped right after it, gained weight, lost weight, started running, did another fun run, stopped, started, another run, stopped, got pregnant, gained weight, stopped, started, another run etc etc for over that 7 year period.

What motivates me?

At the moment I have gained weight again and am trying to lose it. I am sick of the roller coaster. I just want to get running again, be in the zone like I used to be and just stay there!
I have also got a 5km run and a small triathlon coming up that I signed up for before i decided to throw 10 extra kgs on me  so as punishment, I am making myself do them.
I read something lately that simply said "that triathlon isn't going to train for itself" and it makes me get off my butt.

How do I feel after a run?

The strange thing is I feel so much better after a run. I literally drag my butt out there after hours of convincing but when I have gone and come back (after about 10mins), I feel in top if the world. I wonder why I made such a fuss and procrastinated for that long. Crazy!

Any hints for other runners?

I am not really the best person to go to for advice since I have seem to have such a problem sticking to it myself but I am married to a triathlete and if I have learned anything it is to just get out there. He just sticks to it and I watch him improve day after day. I watch him in endless events and I see people with no legs complete a whole triathlon, i see people with more weight on them than me complete 17hrs of an Ironman and each time I say to myself...'what's my excuse?'
I can let my excuses define me, confine me, refine me and outshine me or I can choose to move on and leave them behind me.

How important is running to me as a mother?

I have never been a great example to my kids with sticking to anything to do with my weight or exercise so this time I am just trying to have them see me be a positive example to them for the sake of my health and theirs and besides, a little extra energy wouldn't go astray!

What a fantastic quote to end the mini interview on: I can let my excuses define me, confine me, refine me and outshine me or I can choose to move on and leave them behind me.

If you are interested in sharing your "Why I Run" story with us, please just drop me a line, or if you know any other Brisbane Mother Runners who may be interested point them in our direction.

Why do I run?

Why do I run?

I haven't always been a runner. I'm not entirely convinced I am one now, but I call myself a runner in the belief that I will become a runner, if I try hard enough.

I don't run fast and I don't run amazing distances, but I run because it is fun, I can, I should and it is my me time, away from everything except the song on my iPhone or my breathing.

I pull on my running shoes, tie my hair in a pony and on sunny days don a cap, and off I trot. Slowly, slowly shufflingly full of effort I drag myself along the street, and I LOVE it.

I don't care that I look sweaty and uncoordinated, I just love the feeling that running brings to me. I love the feeling of wanting to run again the minute I finish a run, and I love the idea that every time I am out there running I am getting faster and better and leaner.

I started running to help me lose weight and become healthier. I did it for my body as well as my mind, needing something that could help me drop some kilos and drop some of the depression and anxiety that had been trying to swallow me.

A year down the track, the kilos have gone (some popped back on, but they are on their way out again!) a few struggles with injuries, but the love affair with running is still strong. My body and mind are stronger and I feel more comfortable in my own skin.

I run because it makes me feel alive, it makes me feel healthy, it calms me. I run because I am a runner.

Why do you run?

I'm going to try and have a few guest posts from fellow BMR asking why they run. If you are interested in sharing please pop me an email.

I run because I am a runner.