What gives you kick to go out and Run?

Recently a friend of mine asked me ‘What gives you kick to go out and Run?’. This got me into thinking what really drives me to run, be it summer heat or freezing winter of Gurgaon. I have never been a physically active person in my younger days. I would have always preferred to stay home, read a book or just laze around than to get out there and play a physical sport. Then what moved me at this stage of my life when I am already having a headful of grey hairs. It got me into some serious soul searching.

After some serious thinking, I feel it is an inherent fear, which drives me. Yes, it is a very negative emotion to be driving me into doing something which is considered so positive. But it is the fear to be physically incapable and not being available for my family, my career and for the world. There was a period in my life, when my health was major concern for me and my family. The fear of not being available for my family gave me a wake-up call to stop the downturn. It all started with a brisk walk, to short run, to long distance running. In the last 3 years, I have covered quite a distance, but I am sure there is many more to cover. So, my fear is basically my LOVE for my family which drove me out of my slumber.

But why move further? Doing  a few weekly runs with couple of strength sessions are enough to stay healthy. Perhaps it triggered the inherent desire of a human to CHALLENGE self. Being physically active brought in few major changes to my character. It made me more positive and challenging. It can be contributed to adrenaline or endorphin, which I am sure is already proven scientifically. But my runs and strength workouts made me challenge my own self to achieve higher goals.

The other reason why I look forward to my run or workouts is to meet my run buddies. Being SOCIAL and looking after each other is also an important factor which keep most of us glued and going. Any day you miss a run or workout, without prior notice, there is a high chance someone is enquiring about your wellness. Such high level of camaraderie brings in a dramatic bonding amongst runners.

Overall such strong emotions, such as LOVE, CHALLENGE and being SOCIAL is something which pushes me to go out there every day.  I am sure you may have your reasons which may have pushed you out of your comfort zone. We all would love to hear!!