Yeah! thank you!
- 4/3/2013   12:29:12 PM

I don't run because of my heel spurs (plantar fasciitis ). It bothers me on and off. I use special shoes when I sleep. I also use New Balance shoes for my heel spurs. It has helped me a lot. One day I will be doing some running but right now, I 'm contented with walking . - 3/12/2013   3:29:46 PM

I like to run but i worry about my breasts sagging. Yes, i know that sounds lame but its a concern i have... - 3/4/2013   7:13:32 AM

my sister used to run until she sprained both ankles too many times and they can no longer handle running. we didnt have the best home growing up so she would tell me she ran to escape. she would go running before dawn each morning in high school. she said it was so she could run off the nightmares we both had every night growing up. so she could be alone and get in that zone when everything falls away and all there is is her breath and the pounding of her feet on the sidewalk. - 2/25/2013   5:51:45 PM

my sister used to run until she sprained both ankles too many times and they can no longer handle running. we didnt have the best home growing up so she would tell me she ran to escape. she would go running before dawn each morning in high school. she said it was so she could run off the nightmares we both had every night growing up. so she could be alone and get in that zone when everything falls away and all there is is her breath and the pounding of her feet on the sidewalk. - 2/25/2013   5:51:11 PM

Love this! - 6/22/2012   9:46:04 AM

I run because it makes me feel alive.
I run because it makes me feel free as a bird.
I run because it makes me feel like a little kid laughing and playing tag.
I chase my dreams while I run. :)

- 6/14/2012   8:59:50 AM

I run because I have run before, many years ago it was a huge part of my life now I just want it to be a part of my life again. I want to feel that second wind kick in and to lapse into that mind relaxing mile after mile long distance run. - 6/11/2012   3:18:53 PM

I run to have time to think
I run to have a time not to think
I run to get outside and away from TV, computers, phones
But really, I run because, finally, it feels so good.
- 6/11/2012   7:19:45 AM

I run to get in touch with my inner self!

I run to catch up to my inner self!

I run to try to leave my inner self behind!

I run to keep up with my inner self!

I run to challenge my inner self!

I run to run! - 6/10/2012   8:09:06 PM

I have recently fallen in love with running after hating & dreading it most of my life!! It's amazing. Getting into it slowly & easily to the best of your abilities is really the best way to do it. I love all of your reasons & find that all of them are pretty much true! - 6/9/2012   12:45:52 PM

this week I saw where running with getting the heart rate up over a long period of time can be damaging to the heart. I would suggest runners check into the latest info on the time constaints recommended to stay within the safe limits. As I recall, should be limited to 30 min. with a warm up and cool down in the mix.
Take care everyone! - 6/9/2012   12:00:20 PM

I run to feel the wind in my hair and the sun on my face :) life's enjoyable moments - 6/9/2012   6:09:49 AM

I run because I can! Still a beginner, but making progress. Feels good to meet new challenges. - 6/9/2012   1:53:55 AM

I DON'T run because I CAN't. I have a knee with arthiritis. However, I walk and do many other exercises. I belong to the gym, do the elliptical, treadmill, abdominal machine and all kinds of others. I, at present, have a trainer who I would like to keep longer but for the expense. - 6/8/2012   10:13:49 AM

I am a runner in training. I never thought I could do it, running is for people (like my father) who have never been fat and are athletic.

After walking everyday for 6 months, I joined an outdoor bootcamp and on the first day we had to run! RUN! So i did...and I DID! I can run? WHAT?!!!! I didn't die?

I now run (parts of my walk) to push myself. Everyday is a little bit father and faster. - 6/8/2012   4:11:47 AM

I run for many of the same reasons Nicole listed.

And yes, I DID run on National Running Day! - 6/7/2012   10:45:26 PM

I always feel like I would love being a runner - but the run still escapes me - Maybe your words will help - THANKS! - 6/7/2012   9:12:36 PM

I started running because I had a LOT of extra energy once I started eating right and exercising regularly. I continue to run because I want to see how far I can go (I like challenging myself)! - 6/7/2012   8:29:39 PM

This is great! I'm a beginning runner, and I do it to:
1. Control weight
2. Wear out my dog
3. Drink more homebrewed beer! - 6/7/2012   6:52:32 PM

@ ARACHNAMANIA you can walk in a running shoe but shouldn't run in a walking shoe. If you are running half the time go with the running shoe. I love this list. - 6/7/2012   4:22:19 PM

I run because it makes me feel good. - 6/7/2012   1:55:13 PM

i ran because it made me feel powerful - 6/7/2012   12:53:05 PM

Great list....I run to become a better me. - 6/7/2012   11:37:26 AM

I run because it's cheaper than therapy!!! - 6/7/2012   11:10:06 AM

I run because it's cheaper than therapy!!! - 6/7/2012   11:09:59 AM

Walking shoe, running shoe, long distance running shoe, sprinting shoe, cross training shoe, barefoot running shoe (a rather hilarious idea), gym shoe, tennis shoe, racketball shoe, basketball shoe, ....... they've done a good job of convincing us we need to spend $100 or so for every different activity we do. I'm thinking it really isn't that important. - 6/7/2012   10:08:21 AM

Should you wear a walking shoe or running shoe if you walk 1/2 the time and run 1/2 the time? - 6/7/2012   10:01:53 AM

I read the book Born to Run, bought the barefoot shoes and now just love the freedom it has given me. - 6/7/2012   9:12:45 AM

I run because I can, to get outside, to be alone, and to get better. And for dessert! LOL! - 6/7/2012   8:39:19 AM

And here are two excellent reasons why I shouldn't run: my feet (left and right). - 6/7/2012   8:30:37 AM

I was never a runner my entire life. When I was 52, I joined a gym and my trainer tried to get me to run. I laughed, are you kidding me?!. Well, he unwittingly planted a seed. During the two years I trained with him, he taught me a great deal of strength training and tried his best to get me to run. It wasn't until three years later, I got the running bug and trained myself to run a 5K. So, at 55, I ran my first 5K in a run/walk mode in about 38-39 minutes. I've been running ever since. I'm now 58. I'm still running and loving it. I'm not laughing but smiling that I'm able to do this. I run for just about all the reasons you listed here, Nicole! Great list of reasons! Unfortunately, I have not been able to run much over the past 7 months. Not even on the treadmill. Just some interval training and sprints. Yes, I did run on National Running Day. I ran a 5K straight, no walking, in 38 minutes. This was my first run outside this year. This was my first real run this year. I'm so stoked. I thought I lost my ability to run. Knowing I can still do this just motivated me to put running back into my fitness routine! YES!! - 6/7/2012   7:53:50 AM

Awesome! Thanks for sharing : ) . - 6/7/2012   5:58:30 AM

I run to spend time with God. - 6/7/2012   5:10:39 AM

I used to run but injuries on both ankles and a couple of bung knees now have stopped me from running altogether. I do get up a mean walk but that's the best I can do now. - 6/7/2012   3:35:33 AM

Thanks for a wonderful blog! You continue to inspire me. - 6/7/2012   2:58:45 AM

I'm not much into long distance running, but like Covert Bailey's "Wind Sprints." - 6/7/2012   12:26:28 AM

This reminded me of an inspirational quote I heard from one of my running coaches: Don't run because you HAVE to run, do it because you're fortunate enough that you CAN run. He then reminded us that not everyone is mobile enough to run, and we should take advantage of that privilege if we have it.

Having said that, I've seen many beautiful stories of people who "can't" run because of physical ailments, but they find a way! If they can overcome hardships to run, then we should feel lucky that (if) we don't have those obstacles. Take advantage of your abilities! - 6/6/2012   4:07:55 PM

I run because every run is different and it gets me outside. I learn a lot about what I am capable of doing when I run. - 6/6/2012   3:00:42 PM

Emmanyc, (once you get cleared by a specialist regarding your back), see if there is a chi running instructor in your area. I have chronic back problems and thought my running days were over. Then I found chi walking and chi running. By following the techniques, I have been able to complete half marathon distance and make running a part of my life again.
To all, Add your reasons for running on the National Running Day website and Facebook page.
I run to be present with my breath - fully alive. - 6/6/2012   2:50:40 PM

Tarrhone (and anybody else who'd like to get started), the Spark 5K Your Way has several different plans that gradually help you progress from walking to walk/jog intervals to running a 5K. There are also Couch to 5K programs that work in a similar manner. I started 5K Your Way at the beginning of April. In early May I ran 5K (3.1 miles) for the first time. Today my run was 3.8 miles. I'm getting gradually faster and definitely fitter. My heart rate goes back down much more quickly now. Give walk/jog intervals a try and give it a few weeks before you expect it to feel good. - 6/6/2012   2:16:47 PM

I run to spend time with my wife. - 6/6/2012   1:36:40 PM

Great reasons! Love the list, perfectly describes my reasons too! - 6/6/2012   12:13:13 PM

Great post..I luv all of her points of exhilaration...I do a bit of jogging/walking...Hope
to 'fly like this' eventualy..Beautiful! - 6/6/2012   12:11:05 PM

I run because I can! And to raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society - 6/6/2012   11:58:36 AM

I`m absolutely brand new to running so this blog caught my eye, and what a great blog.
On reading it I feel truly inspired. Thank You. - 6/6/2012   11:58:12 AM

Your reasons for running are a reflection of my reasons, too! Thanks for sharing - now to find someone to watch my kiddos so I can go for a run! - 6/6/2012   10:18:17 AM

Everywhere I look this morning, people are celebrating National Running Day! I can't run at the moment due to an injury, so I'm looking on with a little bit of envy, but I think that I'll finally take the plunge today and get a gym membership so I can log some miles on the elliptical. - 6/6/2012   10:06:01 AM

Is there a good learn to run program?
- 6/6/2012   9:57:40 AM

I have just started ATTEMPTING to run. My son does it with me. It is a great way to spend time together and stay active through the summer. It is easy as pie for him. A bit more challenging for me. - 6/6/2012   9:20:56 AM