We all reach those moments in training where we’re wondering why we continue to do this. Running requires intense dedication and a real willingness to want to succeed on your own. I don’t know about you, but I am constantly tempted to sleep in, skip a workout, or just help myself to another glass of wine/margaritas the night before a training run. I am guilty of committing all of these acts. Well the buck stops here… or something like that.

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I go through this routinely every six months or so. I take roughly a week off, usually due to a small injury. Somehow I end up reflecting on what I am looking for out of running and my training program. What is my motivator? Why do I do this?

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When society or some cynics think runners are a little unhinged, one can’t help but actually think about it. Are we? What motivates me to keep doing this?

Running my first half-marathon was a challenge to prove that I could do this, to someone who thought I couldn’t. Running my first marathon, was a rite of passage in my family and fulfilled a lifelong dream. But now what?

When taking my short hiatus, I had an epiphany. I’ve been running since I was 12 years old. That’s right. I started on my middle school track & field team. It’s second nature to me. As much as many of my goals have involved other people, the process of running has been to make me happy. It’s because I want to! I thoroughly enjoy running, it’s freeing. You can leave behind your thoughts, fears, and stresses when you lace up those shoes and hit the pavement. I need that time to myself. It’s a crazy, hectic world and running provides me familiar comfort, like visiting with an old friend.

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That being said, I need to make running a greater priority. I already have running as a huge focus in my life, however I make my life plans, then organize training around that. In order to achieve all the I hope to in 2014 I need to plan more of my life around training.

Okay… that was my philosophical moment. I’m done. 🙂 Before you’re done though. In case you need a boost or some motivation, check out the video below featuring Jimmy Fallon & Paul Rudd in a lip-sync off. My favorite moment is at 4:21 where Paul Rudd dominates, Don’t Stop Me Now! I must admit the entire video is worth the watch! Happy Viewing!

Do you ever wonder why you run? What pulls you back in? When did you begin running? Is it just me or does Paul Rudd look like he hasn’t aged since Clueless?