Vern is a husband, a father, a friend, an environmentalist, a health and fitness devotee and a addicted to running :) He writes a blog as a runner and environmentalist. And here are his thoughts about running:
Why do I run? I'll answer in two parts:
Why did I start running?
1. For fitness. I walked and hiked for years, and as I get older, I push myself harder to reduce the effects of aging. Running was a way to get to the next level. I'm 58, and have never felt better in my life.
2. For weight control. I love to eat. I eat healthy, but just a little more than I need. Most of my life, I was just slightly overweight. I gradually lost a few pounds over the years by walking and bicycling and other activities. Running got me to the next level without excessive dieting. I've lost 30 pounds in two years of serious running, and reached my "ideal weight."
Why do I continue to run? For the reasons above, plus:
1. Running makes me feel great. It clears my head. It relieves stress. During my runs, existence is reduced to its essence: mind and body acting as one. As I push for longer distances, running rewards me with feelings of new obstacles overcome. Long distance running develops both mental and physical determination. Running changed me as a person; it gave me a new mindset that there is no physical or mental challenge that I can not accomplish. It has virtually removed the word "can't" from my vocabulary.
2. The runner's community: I meet runners on the roads, on the trails, in parks, and online. They love to share insights and help and encourage each other. Runners are people who share a common bond, a love for their sport. When I talk to non-runners about running, they don't quite seem to understand the passion for the activity. When I communicate with runners, they "get it." They instantly understand.
3. "Runner's High"- It's real. It's free. It's legal.
Why I blog about running:
1. My blog is my training log. I use it to track my training progress. Posting my goals and progress helps me stay motivated.
2. My blog gives me a place to verbalize thoughts and helps me stay mentally grounded and focused. It also gives me a forum for other topics that are important to me, such as Earth-friendly, sustainable living.
3. My blog has become a medium to communicate and share insights with others. A lot of writers are have created a lot of very good blogs. Other writers have inspired me to try to make my humble blog more interesting, more than just a dull log of training statistics.
My goals:
1. My immediate goal is to continue to build my base and long-distance mileage to run my first marathon race in May, 2010.
2. My longer range goal is to further build my endurance capabilty and improve my running efficiency, technique and pace.
Thank you, Vern, veru much and I wish you the best :)