Why I Run
A brief treatise on putting one foot repeatedly in front of the other
I run to craft the best version of myself.
One who is kind - compassionate and empathetic, without being oversolicitous to the detriment of one’s own wellbeing
One who values community - contributing to society locally, regionally, nationally and globally, while maintaining necessary independence & autonomy
One who is courageous - approaching challenges positively & taking risks, while managing them judiciously
One who inspires others - uplifting not just oneself but those one encounters, while maintaining self-awareness & humility
One who is honest - both with others, and with oneself, in service of virtue
To develop these qualities, one must be healthy in both body and mind.
To be healthy, one’s basic welfare needs must be met: shelter, security, clothing, clean air, hygiene, water, food. The next level of health comes from the triad of activity, good nutrition, and mindfulness.
Activity demands good nutrition and enables mindfulness. So atop basic welfare, activity is the foundation upon which the house of virtue is built.
Human locomotion, moving using one’s limbs, is the purest form of activity. It is one of the most effective forms of cardiovascular exercise, and requires nothing more than the motivation to move.
Running is, in my opinion, the height of human locomotion. To run perfectly requires a musculo-fascial-skeletal balance throughout the body. It connects body and mind. It reinforces our connection with our environment. It inspires us to explore our Earth. It is humbling.
Running is the premier foundation of health, upon which we can build our virtues.
Not everyone is able to run, and many who can choose not to. Those of us lucky enough to be able to run, and who practice it regularly, understand this modest activity as one of the greatest privileges in life.
Now you know why I run, you may like to read my follow-up post Why I Run Ultras.
