What Is Your Why?

One of the most important things for runners to identify is their 'why' for running. What motivates them? What keeps them going when training gets hard (because it will get hard)? This is a deep topic but I think it is an important one for athletes to get clear about.

There is obviously no wrong answer to this question. Everyone has a different reason for what motivates them. For some it's for their health and their family. For others it's a social reason. There are a wide range of answers and all are valid. However, for most, this is not an easy question to answer.

I don't think I ever thought about what my 'why' is for running. I've heard other coaches ask that question but it wasn't until a friend asked me that I really thought about it. It really made me think and I feel it's an answer that evolves over time. I think I started running as a teenager to literally run away from my problems. Then I think it became a way for me to sit with discomfort. Training and learning to sit with physical discomfort was a way for me to learn to sit with emotional discomfort in my life. It was also a way for me to be alone and to be comfortable with being alone. I now see my 'why' evolving into challenging myself by pushing my limits and seeing what I am capable of. I think our 'why' for running is meant to evolve throughout our running journey. If it didn't then I don't think we'd be growing as runners.

It's a deep question, but it is something every runner should think about. There will be hard days of training. It doesn't matter if you're running a 5K or a marathon. There are just some days that are harder than others and there will absolutely be moments where you question why you are even running. During those moments, that is when you dig deep and remember your 'why'. That 'why' will remind you of why you are doing this and why you are capable of overcoming the discomfort you are feeling in that moment.

Believe in yourself and believe in your journey. Embrace your 'why' and let that carry you through the challenging moments and lead you to moments of triumph.

So, what is your 'why' for running? I would love to hear from you! Leave a comment below and follow me on Facebook and Instagram to connect.