Came across a copy of THE FUNRUNNER: Newsletter of the Nashville Striders. ($5 annual membership)
February 1979. When running was young and so were we. – JDW
The Managing Editor was Larry Wallace, who opened the mimeographed publication with “Editorial Comments.” Front cover, page one.
WHY DO WE RUN?
A couple of months ago I asked you to share with the membership your reasons for running. Hardly a day goes by when I am not asked by a non-runner why I run. My reasons have changed through the years and quite often I find it hard to express to a non-runner. More and more, I seem to avoid the question since my reply usually falls on apathetic ears.
If you really take time to stop and think about it, it’s one of the most important questions you can ask yourself. If running touches the many parts of your life as it does mine, and you plan on continuing until you’re 100 as I do, then you must have a reason for it. I ran 267 days last year. Charlie Milton ran 330. How many golfers, tennis players, bowlers, etc., participated in their activity that often? Running is not a sport to you and I, it’s a way of life – to some, life itself.
Anyway, out of 1200 Nashville Striders, I received zero (0) replies. I really can’t understand that. But I did get an answer from Jack Welch who is Publisher/Editor for RUNNING magazine. I related to many of his reasons as many of you probably will also. Enjoy.
WHY DO I RUN?
Why do I run? I am not so sure I am any more complex than the next guy, though truthfully I’d be embarrassed if I were not.
1.) Unfortunately, I run in part to maintain my credibility in the sport, as a publisher/editor/writer, a store owner, coach & race consultant. I think it’s important people know that I run if my counsel is to be of value.
2.) I run because that is what I do, who I am. I am a runner, you are an editor, she is a mother, my mother is a doctor. This is how I define myself. When I meet people and answer their obsequious interrogation re my occupation, I say “I am a runner.” It is my profession, my avocation, my relaxation, my burden.
3.) I run because I cannot not run. I must drink water, eat food, breathe air – I must run.
4.) Running is an addiction, a habit – I need my daily dose.
5.) I run because I now weigh 162 pounds and I used to weigh 235. I run so I will stay trim, so that I can see muscles.
6.) I do run because I truly love the sheer physical act. (If it’s pain free.) I even let my hair go long so I can feel it bounce on and off my neck in the Oregon rain.
7.) I run for the sense of accomplishment.
8.) I run for many more reasons than I myself even know. I don’t care why I run, only that I be allowed to do it.
http://www.nashvillestriders.com/
Epilogue. Almost forty (40) years later. It would be a bad year if I didn’t run at least 350 days. Of course, only a complete liar would call what I do running. But don’t be deceived. On the inside, I be truckin’. And it ain’t pain free.
