Someone asked me a few days ago what would happen to me if I did not run. Obviously, this was asked by a non-runner. So my answer was quick and sarcastic. I said, “You would not want to be around me. I would be cranky.” So I got a sarcastic response which was “When are you not cranky?” I continued to explain that running helps me relieve stress and find my equilibrium, etc., etc., and then summarized by saying if I couldn’t run I would bike. Which really isn’t true, because if I couldn’t run I would probably still run anyway although it may very well resemble a walk.
To be honest, if I didn’t run, let’s say I just gave it up or decided life was too busy to run, I think I would feel some emptiness inside. I would feel like I lost something. It is not like I would combust or something but I think my mind and body would feel a bit off. I would also have too much free time on my hands. I would need to find a hobby or something. A lot of my social activities center around running so I would need to find new friends too. That would be a lot of work so running is just easier.
In all seriousness, running is a part of me. It doesn’t define me but it is part of what makes me who I am. I am a runner. I love the way it makes me feel, the way it allows me to constantly challenge myself, and the way it helps me lead a healthy lifestyle. I have taken time off from running, especially post marathon. But like clock work, after seven to 10 days of leading a non-running lifestyle I am itching to get back into it.
What would happen if you did not run was a really hard question for me to answer and even after thinking about it, I still find it hard to answer. I guess I really don’t see myself not running.
Thanks for following…Dawn
Week seven of London Marathon training is complete!!!