Ok weirdoes, I asked the Fitbit Running Community to post why they run, and I received comments from the insane to the mundane! They were all awesome, over 60 in total. So I categorized them and picked out a few gems. Some will make you chuckle and some will make you realize that we are all in this thing together. Peace. Joe the Runner
Escape! Not Mental, Literal!!! 8 People
Do these people know something we don’t know?
ava l.: “I run as if I’m being chased by a serial killer only to get home and jump in to my warm, safe, cozy bed.”
Anna F.: “Because I’m too pretty for prison.”
Stacy V.: “I run because the mountain lions are moving in to our neighborhood. Let someone else be their snack!”
lovndonuts: “How else will I get away from the zombies?!” (Based on your name, I think donuts may be another reason to run!)
Brandon P.: “Survival rule #1: Cardio!” Zombieland reference!!! Cool.
Matt L.: “Because zombies eat those who can’t run… or the ones that I “trip”. #zombierunapp”
Josh T.: “I run so it will be hard for the cops to catch me.”
Therapy/Alone Time/Medical 21 People
This is very interesting because many people discussed managing their anxiety through running, and an upcoming profile that I am working on, the person said the same thing. So there seems to be something here in regards to running and managing depression and anxiety.
Lori W.: “I run because I have asthma and when I didn’t run I would get a walking pneumonia twice a year. Now I don’t! And I’m addicted!”
AmandaaPanda: “I run for me, because it’s the best anti-anxiety medicine I know of, because everyone in my family has high blood pressure and/or diabetes and I want better than that for myself. I think a better question would be: Why wouldn’t I run?”
Simone M.: “Because doctors said I would never walk… 27 miles a week now.”
Sarah H.: “Because I’m a kindergarten teacher, a wife, and a mother of 2. And I am bat s*#% crazy by the end of the day! The running is great stress relief and keeps my mood in check!”
Erica W.: “I run because it’s the only time alone I have to myself. Mother of 4, wife, full time job etc. Let’s face it, love my Famdamily, but the truth is that they follow me EVERYWHERE always need something!!!!! Now one wants to follow me when I run… so I guess reality is-is that I am running from them (totally kidding)!!! It’s my stress relief and I can wear cute clothes and still drink wine.”
Samantha R.: “I run so I don’t have to be reminded of all the stresses at home. I run because I literally don’t think about anything at all except breathing. I run because I love exercise. I run because I like my body better when I’m in shape.”
Kaitlin: “I run because I’m a better me on days I run. Seriously, I am intolerable when I can’t run.”
Amanda W.: “I run because my dad died at 54 from his 12th heart attack and my mom is about to have open heart surgery. I run to keep my heart and body healthy.”
Jason M.: “I walk!! I have lost 20 lbs, I can actually breathe again and I feel good about myself, which is a little scary right now, LOL. I see everyone posting their runs and how good they feel about it; it excites me. I am ready to start running, to quit smoking, etc.”
Mary R.: “Anti-anxiety medicine.”
Role Models/Inspire 7 People
Natasha S.: “I run so my daughter knows she can do anything if she really wants it!!!”
Josh C.: “I always thought my dad was Superman. I run so my kids will think I am!”
Summer C.: “I run for the runner’s high and also because I have 5 kids. I want to be athletic again and inspire my kids! It feels good to set personal goals and ACHIEVE them!”
Sharon !.: “I started running because my 7 year old wanted to run a 5k. We started training together and I’ve been enjoying running so much with him, I’ve started running by myself so I can challenge myself as much as I challenge him. At 46 years old, I’ve surprised myself.”
Candy N.: “I run because my teenage daughters need to see that there is more to life than going to work and coming home.”
Emmanuel P.: “I’m running for the benefit of everyone living today, maybe seeing my fat ass plugging away at it will make some people realize that they can do it too.”
Ron T.: “I run to stay in shape, relax while I listen to scripture and/or music, inspire others that it’s never too late to press beyond your perceived limits (joined a gym for the first time at 58, first HM at 60 and will run my first Marathon at 61). Also to raise money for clean water wells and sanitation training Africa through Team World Vision.” Side note here, Ron is one of my favorite Fitbit peeps! He is just so positive and awesome!
Food/Beer/Weight Loss/Weight Management 15 People
Julie F.: “I run because when I was 85 lbs heavier I could barely walk around the block, and I’m never going back there again!”
Ken D.: “I run so I can eat like a 17 year old boy. And so I can keep up with the young kids in my old man adult hockey league.”
Melissa: “I run because when I have grandchildren I want to be able to chase and play with them. Also because I love to eat.”
EricaMcC: “At first it was weight loss… but now it is for sanity… who am I kidding? Today it was for Oreos and wine haha. Most days for nachos and long runs are set for burgers!!!”
Appreciation/Fun/Challenge 14 People
Joe H.: “Because I can.”
Zef A.: “Because I was invited to sing with the Prague Symphony Orchestra in November and I need to have all of the confidence, strength, and stamina I can muster.”
Shreya M.: “I run because it’s a good habit that I want to get in to. It’s healthy and my routine has changed drastically (in a good way).”
Devin G.: “I run because I love it. Simple.”
Shawn C.: “I run so I can brag a bit that I am a 45 year old, out of shape dad, that can do a 10 mile race.”
Daria: “I do it because when I run, I feel so close to God, close enough to him to see heaven. And because the scenery is absolutely beautiful.”
Jen S.: “I run because of the euphoric feeling I get of accomplishment by the fat girl that lives in my mind!!!”
A League of Their Own
Ericka: “It’s my stress relief and also keeps my German Shepherd/Rottweiler’s energy at a tolerable level.”
This may be the best reason to run…
KEaster1: “I run to the table when dinner is ready… does that count?” YES IT DOES!
The post was a little longer then usual, but I wanted to share a lot of the answers with you. There were so many more, so if I didn’t put yours out there, sorry! I was running out of space… You are all amazing, and I thank you all for the replies. INCREASE THE PEACE! Joe the Runner
I hope that this post and this blog helps you achieve your dreams! To receive new post notifications, newsletters, and post previews, please SUBSCRIBE!
For behind the scenes photos and comments on my training and personal life, follow me on Instagram: joe_the_runner Strava: Joe Randene
Questions, comments, feedback? Please leave them in the comments section BELOW and we can have a discussion!