Wednesday, October 25, 2006

Because

It was nearly 8:00 p.m. I'd been up since 5:00 a.m. I was up late the night before. I'd been taken to lunch, and dinner. I'd had two beers. It was a long, busy day, they have all been lately. One have-to-do turns into the next. But I had to run. I had to.

Because I felt fat.
Because I felt unsettled.
Because I needed to hear my own feet under me.
Because I needed to hear my own breath.
Because I needed to be outside.
Because there's a blizzard coming tonight.
Because I don't want to fall behind in training.
Because I want to set an example.
Because I want to feel good.
Because I like the sound of the leaves on the ground beneath me.
Because I am training without a partner for the first time.
Because running between the shadows makes me feel adventurous.
Because I don't want to take it for granted.
Because my knee is finally comfortable on the downhill again.
Because Fall is as good as gone.
Because my life feels full.
Because sometimes I feel a little lonely.
Because I've figured so much out.
Because I still have a long way to go.
Because I need to relax.
Because I needed to get excited.
Because I didn't need to wear gloves.
Because I run faster in the dark.
Because I'm quite certain that whatever it is I'm waiting on may never come.
Because five minutes later I remind myself that can't be true.
Because I wanted to have fun.
Because I had pizza and ice cream and beer in the same night.
Because I have faith that I'm doing the best I can.
Because I want to work hard.
Because I have a name to live up to.
Because I never really know when I'll get another chance.

9 comments:

justacoolcat said...

So that's what people mean when they say "just because".

I love night bike rides for many of the same reasons.

Danielle said...

So true...especially the last...you never know what may happen and I know if it was suddenly taken from me, I'd never regret that last run!

Backofpack said...

Pizza and beer and ice cream? Sounds like a wonderful night to me! I had carrot cake last night - and that alone is a good "because".

All good reasons. Running is so much more than it is possible to say...

Anonymous said...

Amen

JustRun said...

JACC- Yes, especially women, I think. "Because" means everything.

Danielle- Me neither!

BoP- It was good. SO good. But the calories? SO many.

RGF- Preach on?

Anonymous said...

Becuase running without the "built-in snot and sweat wipers" is reason enough.

awesome.

Anonymous said...

Because I want to feel good is my favorite. I must be an addict, but this one is good enough for me on most days.

I like the list. It is refreshing change from the endless list of excuses most people give when I ask why they don't run!

skinnylittleblonde said...

Run, run, run! Enjoy it! I wish I had your vigor & determination. I never run...my excuse, I always twist my skinnylittleankle about 20 feet into it. You're an inspiration & I love your list!

Anonymous said...

This totally reminded me of my sister, also a runner. I sent to her and she loved it. Thank you.