The Why Behind The Sky

I’m a runner, but why do I run? I get asked that often, and my reply is simply that I enjoy it… now.

When I first started running in 2021 it was to train for my very first half marathon, the 2022 Houston Half Marathon. I was not a runner then and I knew that I needed to start with small steps and then add a little bit more distance in each run to build up the needed endurance to manage 13.1 miles. I started training in July, and it was hard. Hard and miserable actually. But, over time with consistency, I was ready and tackled my first half.

Fast forward to October, 2023, I completed my fifth half marathon to date, and my beautiful wife completed her first, all in gorgeous Portland, Oregon. Her journey was like mine, but more significant in that she wanted to prove to herself that she could do it and overcame some fears in the process.

Why am I sharing this? Because this recent race and accomplishment is a reminder to myself that anything worth doing takes discipline and commitment. The initial journey is hard, demotivating, and the unforeseen tries to derail you. But, in life the obstacle is often the way, and you will not grow unless you tackle and overcome said obstacle to reach your vision. For example, Marcus Aurelius once stated:

“The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.”

Similarly, Epictetus once stated:

“Capability is confirmed and grows in its corresponding actions, walking by walking, and running by running… therefore, if you want to do something, make a habit of it.”

The quotes above reflect a common Stoic virtue of courage and temperance that is fundamental in having a mindset of perseverance. One’s willingness to seek out new opportunities to grow and push oneself along with the guarantee of obstacles and challenges will ultimately test the grit of what you can accomplish. But mindset is everything, and it is mindset that will prevail in the end. Watching my wife finish her first half reminded me of this.

So, to answer the question in the title: Yes, it actually is fun to run… once you overcome the obstacles.