Every runner has a story. You might think you don’t, but you do. Your story may not be glamorous, it may not include a huge weight loss, coming back after an accident or injury, or anything you feel is important, but it’s still YOUR story. If it is what got you running, then it IS important and inspiring.
I consider myself an average American girl. I have always felt like my “story” was boring. In an age where the more exciting or emotional your journey is, the more opportunities you get, it can be tough to say “well, one day I just decided to start running, and I’m still doing it.” Does anyone else know what I mean?
Don’t get me wrong, comeback, weight loss, and other stories of the like are truly very inspirational and amazing to read, but where does that leave the average Joe? Well, let me tell you. It leaves you right where you are supposed to be.
My friends, your story doesn’t have to be what the world considers interesting for it to matter. All that matters is that it changed you. It is absolutely amazing to be able to help, encourage, and inspire a large amount of people. A true huge bonus. But at the end of the day, if you are motivating and inspiring to YOURSELF, then I would call that a win.
Running is something I never thought I would be doing at this stage in my life. It was not something I loved in school, but something I had to do to play other sports I participated in. But as I look back over the past six years I have participated in this sport, I see how intricately it has been woven into my life.
When asked the question “why do you run?” I feel like I could answer in 100 different ways. For my health. For my sanity. For my family. For my blog. For fun. Since the conception of this blog, I have tried my best to be honest and real with you, my readers. I am nothing special, I am not fast, and I make a lot of mistakes. However, I have always felt like I had a connection with the everyday person. The average runner who doesn’t see a lot of the spotlight.
Today, I want you, the average runner, to know that you are one of the reasons I run. I want others like me to know that it’s ok to not win big awards, or impress people with your running. As long as you are impressed with yourself, and running has changed you, then you are a rockstar in my book. So, don’t compare yourself to other runners, but run for yourself, and for other regular people like you and me. Together, we can inspire, and have a lot of fun running while doing it!
Another reason I run? I LOVE racing. I am always looking for new races, and I particularly like ones I can make racecations out of. The Zappos Bay to Breakers race is this coming weekend in San Francisco. I would love to run this race one day!
Zappos is the title sponsor for this race, and they have an amazing selection of athletic apparel and shoes on their website. They have over 150,000 styles from more than 1,000 brands! It also doesn’t hurt that they have free shipping and an amazing 365 day return policy.
I hope some of you are getting to run this race. I hope you have a blast wherever you are running this weekend. Just keep going!
QOTD: Why do you run?
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
Great post! We all run for different reasons and they’re all important!
yes!
I love your running story because it sounds so much like mine! No big life changes. NO defining moments. I just started doing it for the fun of it. Plus, I really love races too : )
races are the best!
New reader here! I have to say, I can relate to you so much. My running story is similar to yours. I’m not considered “fast”, and I don’t have a big, inspiring story, but I absolutely love running and doing races. Great post!
Thanks for commenting!
Awesome post Heather! I love how running is a sport where you compete against yourself. That keeps me motivated. I run because I can. It’s the only sport I’ve ever excelled in. I’m not fast but I’ve seen improvement since I started and that makes me happy.
I think I get frustrating with running b/c its the only sport I have NOT excelled in and I have to work really hard for it. It’s quite humbling!
Its so important to remember that running is a sport that allows us to focus on competing with ourselves, not with others. I try to focus on my individual progress, not how I measure up against others.
exactly!
It is so true that even us “average runners” are still out there inspiring people!
yes 🙂
This is one of the most refreshing things I’ve read in a long time. I just don’t have the time to train hard to be a faster runner, and I don’t think I have the particular talent, either. But I like running and I like races and the people at them so I will keep running, too!
Finding time is so hard!
I love this! I too consider myself to be an Average runner but I always remember that I am racing against myself and always trying to do my best.
exactly 🙂
Thanks for this 🙂 someone asked me if I am a runner and I paused — I guess I am! I will be there this weekend in SF too. I am running with my sisters. I have completed 10 Bay 2 Breakers races and, while they aren’t as crazy as before, they are fun! Definitely should go on a bucket list to experience this race.
how fun! Good luck to you!
I run to be a better soccer player, and I play soccer to be a better runner. It’s been working quite well!
Good call!
I read this post on my phone when you first published it (I am SO behind on blog reading and commenting!), and I really wanted to get around to leaving a comment because TOTALLY identify with this post.
Some people have really incredibly stories and every time someone’s like, “wow, you run marathons? that’s amazing!”, my initial response is, “not really, so and so who lost 100 pounds or this person who beat cancer is really amazing, I just run.”
I’m not fast nor do I have any real desire to train to be faster, but I still get up and run and participate in races and if it inspires someone, great. But I really just do it for myself, there’s nothing wrong at all with being an “average joe runner!”.
Thanks for commenting! 🙂 hope yall are doing well