How Can You Hate Running?

Hi! Remember me? Not sure why I haven't written a post in months. I'm sure I've experienced plenty of fabulous things in LA since my last post. I guess I just haven't been motivated to put my thoughts into words. Well that all changed yesterday. I composed this post in my head while running 9.2 miles. (One of my 2010 goals is to run a half under 2 hours. Well, I am registered for 3 half marathons this fall and well into a training program).

I was chatting with my husband about running Saturday and he mentioned that he hates running. This conversation replayed in my head while I was baking in the heat willingly running mile after mile. I remember a time when I hated running too. I couldn't stand running for PE class. It bothered me that we had to get all gross and sweaty in 2nd hour and then sit in classes for the rest of the day. Something dramatically changed since then. Now, I don't mind grabbing coffee or lunch after a good run and I don't feel the need to change out of my clothes. It's almost like I am proud to walk into a store or run errands after a run. It's kind of like bragging to the public that I just pounded the pavement (I'm sure the people who smell me feel a bit differently!). My feelings for running changed. What caused this change?

I think as soon as you experience the runner's high, you're hooked. It's like crack. You just can't get enough. You need your daily fix of running. Maybe it's the feeling of running one mile longer than you ever have before. I'll never forget mile 20 or crossing the finish line of the Chicago Marathon. Running definitely appeals to my competitive side. I was never good at team sports, but with running I only have to compete with myself. Having someone drape a finisher's medal around your neck surely helps tip the scale from hate to love pretty quickly. What about the mind clearing benefits? I've solved so many dilemmas on my runs. I think every great idea I've had lately originated on a run.

I pulled a t-shirt out of my drawer the other night from 2004. The shirt was from the Kingdom House Run in St. Louis, MO and that run was my first 10k. I thought I was going to die and it took me an hour to cross the finish line. I ran farther than I ever had before and finished by running up hill. That might have been when I first feel in love with running and I don't see us breaking up anytime soon. If anything, my love affair is only deepening. I used to lust after Gucci bags and designer sunglasses. Now, I all I can think about are new running shoes and a Garmin watch.

I wonder how I can help people like my husband tip their scales from hate to love?