Why I Run: For Me

There are so many reasons to run that I could fill a book with them.  Instead of compiling my reasons into an omnibus post, I thought I'd post a series of "why I run" posts.  Today is the first entry in the series.

I run for me.  In my life, 98% of my energy is spent catering to other people's needs: my children, my husband, my family and friends, my co-workers, etc.  When I run, however, my focus is solely on me.  I decide how far I will go and how fast.  I pick the route, the water breaks, and the music.  I sometimes feel like my days click by without much input from me, but my runs remain an area of my life over which I can exert some modicum of control.

And when mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy.