To me, running is peace, joy, fun, and character building. I’m so glad I stuck with it!

Running to me is a healthy drug–> it gives me a buzz every time without fail!

I didn’t realize how much running meant to me (health, fitness, freedom, stress release) until I pulled something in the back of my knee while doing an easy jog last night. Trying to get an appointment with the doctor today. Hoping I can at least walk the HSWC 5K in 2 weeks. I feel like my world has stopped. 🙁

I started running about a year ago as a means to get in shape, but the surprising and most beneficial part about it has been the boost in my confidence and self esteem! I find that running helps me believe in myself. There’s nothing like the feeling of accomplishment after reaching a new goal, whether that be a new distance record or speed! I am so proud of how far I have come and running has helped me feel so much better about myself!

Running = my Prozac.

Running has made me so self-confident! I’ve never found a hobby I enjoy quite so much, and the feeling of training hard for a race and crossing the finish line is incomparable.

Running means freedom to me. In high school i was an avid runner on the track team. (8:30 min/mile!!!) But as i progressed to college, life after college and marriage, i gained over 80 pounds and stopped running. I want to start running again to loose weight, but i miss the freedom that came with running. Running was my hobby, my ‘high’, my way to escape my reality. I did treasure the alone time to collect my thoughts or not think at all. Whether i win or not i’m aiming to start C25K and run in the Mainely Moose 5k in October in Portland, ME.

Thanks for writing your blog! I always look forward to a new entry, recipe or just reading about your adventures. I hope everything is going well with your new book and have fun in Philly!

I am getting back into running as we speak! Ok well not literally, unless you count sitting at my desk…

I’ve had an interesting relationship with running and it dawned on me how much I miss it. I signed up for a half at the end of January so I am planning on a 5K in mid October. I’m excited to race agian! It’s been a few years 🙂 I run because it helps me realize that there is so much more to life… it’s freeing and invigorating, and I love it!

I run for my Mom. She is a 4 time cancer survivor. She received her 5th diagnosis in July. You can read more about her story here-http://pages.teamintraining.org/mn/miami12/kthelen (sorry to plug my site- but maybe people want to know)
I run because I can, I run because I am stong enough. It’s not always a stress reliever, it’s not always fun- but I CAN. Not everyone can. I run for Natalie my TNT teammate and Leukemia survivor who passed this spring from an infection, while training for a marathon, I run for Alie, a 9 year old who lost her battle with Leukemia just a few weeks ago very suddenly. I run because it makes me feel free. And now I will be running to inspire girls for GOTR!

I run to feel strong. I run to push myself. I run to feel myself getting faster. I run because it helps me sleep. I run because it quiets my nerves.
I run because running is the glue that keeps me together.

I ran because I saw other people doing it and thought I MUST be able to do it, too!

I run because it is not easy for me. I started running because I wanted to do a triathlon. I kept running because it is hard, it is a challenge, and I have so much room for improvement.

I’ve always wanted to be a runner; it just doesn’t come easy to me. But I’m challenging myself to complete a half marathon before my 30th birthday! So a 5k would be a good starting point to get me in gear 🙂

Awesome giveaway! I run because it’s given me a new appreciation for my body. Instead of caring about having skinny legs, I’m proud to have legs that power me through mile after mile.

What a great giveaway!

I’ve been running since 5th grade (youth track) and then I did cross-country and track in high school, and then transitioned to Half Marathons. I’m training for my first marathon now, and am excited about it! Running for me is a great de-stressor, and it is a constant in my life where if I put in the time, I will see improvement and results. The benefits are endless – I love how a good long run lets me zone out and listen to some great music and lets my mind wander, and I get to be outside in nature!

I lost 50lbs. training for my first 5K using the C25K program. It took me 1 year vs. 9 weeks of training, but I DID IT. I DID IT. I “ran” my first 5K in 30:20 on August 27, 2011. I am most proud I have inspired my husband to train for a 5K now too. I am going to do it again in 2012. I would love for you to buy my race entry.

I started running with my mom when I was 6 years old and never looked back (well, ok, when they made me run for my allowance in middle school, I wasn’t super pleased…) Running has made ALL the difference with my health. When I finally stopped running to look “good” or lose weight, and focused on strength, health, and speed, my entire lifestyle changed!

PS- awesome giveaway!

I identify myself as a runner (former cross country runner and cross country coach), but truthfully haven’t been in good running shape in a while. In the last four years, I’ve spent all but six months either pregnant or breastfeeding. My second daughter was born nine weeks ago, and I’m ready to lace up my shoes and again feel the confidence in myself that running always has given me. Not to mention the “me” time that going for a run affords a new mama! I want to feel strong and be strong to take good care of my girls and be a positive role model for them.

I’m a new follower to your blog as of this week. I’ve been looking for new recipe ideas and omg you post the best ideas. Thank you soooo much for sharing! 🙂

I just started running about a year and a half ago. I run because I want to stay healthy (lungs and heart) and I needed to find some type of exercise I love. I’ve never ran a 5k or a marathon. I’ve thought about it, but just been intimidated. Winning would be the PERFECT push to get me going.

Running means HEALTH. I began running about 2 years ago, when my aunt was very ill with cancer. I took a look around and realized that, cancer aside, my family was not healthy. My parents were overweight — my dad is in his early 50s, smokes, and has already had heart surgery. While running won’t prevent cancer or heart disease, it’s certainly a good place to start. After I began running, my parents made an effort to healthify their lives as well!!! Seeing me be so active encouraged them to get fit — they take evening walks together now and have both lost weight.

Sorry for such a long comment, but it’s something I have become very passionate about. Love your blog! Thanks for doing this.

I run because 70 pounds ago, that didn’t seem possible. I wonder what it will seem like another 50 pounds from now (goal weight). Finished my first 5K this weekend (okay it was really, really, really slow) but eager for the next.

I started out running because I wanted to lose weight and be fit. Then I liked it because of the camaraderie. Now, I use it as time with myself and time to meditate. I love going on long runs with no music and just being quiet. I get into a no thinking mindset really easily while I’m running and I enjoy the time to not have to worry about anything else.

I don’t want to up the cheese factor too much by saying that running means everything to me, but it certainly means a lot. As a child I could not run, I got out of breath quickly and gave up. I never had anyone encourage me to keep trying or teach me how to breathe properly. About two years ago I began running on my own – reading up on form, breathing, etc, and trying everything until I found what worked for me. I might not be amazing or incredibly speedy but I can definitely (and proudly!) call myself a runner. To me running is my favorite form of exercise, the best way to make my heart pound, my favorite stress reducer. It’s what prevents me from snapping at my coworkers and family, from having too much wine after a long day at work, and from caring if I have one too many slices of pizza. I don’t know where I would be without it, it really is one of my most favorite things on earth.

I actually just posted about my experiences with running starting in high school. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been a constant standby in my life. I feel like you can stop running for weeks, months, or even years but decide one day to lace up your shoes and hit the pavement. It’s very cool like that. These are the reasons I posted about why I run:

“I run:
because running helps me celebrate and appreciate the body that God has given me
because it strengthens my heart, mind, body, and soul
and simply, because I can.”

also, I’m glad to hear you’re enjoying Philly! I’m a student at the University of Pennsylvania (just across the Schuylkill from where you are now), and I love it here 🙂

I started running a year and a half ago (ish) on a whim, essentially. I didn’t think that I would be where I am now–still going strong, having run a few shorter races, two half marathons, and hopefully currently training for the Philadelphia Marathon (if an injury holds out!). I love running because it is still incredibly hard for me, and I still see huge improvements in my running on a regular basis (I think mainly because it doesn’t come easy for me!). I LOVE the times I can just run and zone out. Would love to have this inspire me to do a 5k and not just the snail-slow long runs I have been!!

I run because it feels so good — my body feels good and I’m able to just zone out and think things through. I also end up feeling extremely emotional when I run long distances and often I find myself bursting into tears — for some reason that is such a great feeling to be so full of emotion and feeling.

Thanks for the fun contest, Caitlin! For me, running means doing the impossible because really often I won’t believe that I’ll be able to finish a certain run/race/goal time but it’ll happen anyway. Because of my experiences running, I feel capable of tackling any kind of challenge 🙂

Running was the way that I lost over 30 pounds about five years ago. Now it is my stress reliever and “me time”

This is such a great idea for a giveaway.
Running is different for me each time I go out for a run and can even vary throughout the run. Sometimes its an escape, sometimes its to connect. Sometimes is a strenuous workout, sometimes its all about relaxing. The fact that running can be so many different things for me is why I love it.
Thanks for giving me the opportunity to reflect.

Running makes me feel strong, which for some reason is something I’ve always craved. Not skinny or fast, but STRONG. 🙂

Running was a way to get fit, now its an emotional journey. I use running to challenge myself mentally and physically, and to prove to myself that I CAN DO IT.

Great Giveaway! Running is my escape, MY time to concentrate on nothing other than listening to my body. I love the release it gives me and I love how good it makes me feel.

After a 3 year battle, I lost my best friend to cancer at 21. I vowed to find something positive to do in her memory. I started by doing a race for the cure 5k. I was pooped but finished it in 35 minutes. To date I have done many 5k’s, a 10k, 2 15k’s, 3 half marathons, and one 26.2! And two triathlons. I think of her and use her memory as a source to push me. The best part is sharing my race recaps with her mother. Running has given me so much.

I run to feel the breath in my lungs, the wind in my hair and the blood pumping through my body. It eases headaches, lifts my mood, and just feels awesome.

I run because it is my “me” time. I run because it is the only time in my day where I can shut my brain off. I run because it is what inspires the girls I coach with GOTR to be the best people they can be.

I love running first thing in the morning before the day gets too hectic. I can be alone with my thoughts and have genuine me time. Also, tackling my workout in the morning gives me the motivation to do everything else I need to do!

I run for the sense of accomplishment I get when I am able to achieve something new. New distance, new speed, new PR, etc. Because I know my hard work and efforts are the reason for the accomplishment. I also do not have to rely on the accountability of others to run.

I started a very long (and not done yet) weight loss journey 2.5 years ago with the couch to the 5k program. Running means finding a healthier me and a happier me. It means lots of sweat, some pain, and a lot of “I hate this” but the rewards are so so worth it.

Running means freedom! I love it so much. It’s challenged me in ways i couldn’t imagine and taught me to respect my body 100%.

Running means a healthy outlook on life and pride in my body for the amazing distances it can carry me. Any distance, 1 mile to a half marathon needs to be celebrated!

Cool!! To me, running represents change for the better. In terms of exercise, running was the first thing I did when I decided to live a healthier lifestyle a few years ago. Running was my gateway to being an active woman, and it is my perfect metaphor for making positive changes: it’s hard, but crazy exhilarating and I feel so strong when it’s over!

well, I don’t run! But I BIKE! I bike because it changes my mindset every single time and keeps me young, happy, healthy, and reminds me that I am alive! 🙂

Glad you are feeling better too!

Running is my getaway and my attempt to still be an athelete. As a former college athlete, graduation meant growing up and moving on. I needed a way to stay active, fit, and a way to remain competitive. Running gave me a reason to battle myself in a new way. It became my escape from daily stress, burdens, and everything in general, and gave me a way to just BE. I have moved from running 5ks to half marathons to my FIRST marathon in December. It is a wonderful way to constantly push myself, stay fit, have fun, and escape!

I have tried running at other points in my life and gave up, thinking it was too hard and that I would never be a runner. And while I still don’t consider myself a runner, I run several times per week because I love the challenge of running and the sense of accomplishment after I reach my goal for the day. Doing something several times per week that I always told myself I couldn’t do really helps me build confidence and self esteem. 🙂

Serenity
Prayer Time
Sunrise
Challenge
Sweat
Fellowship
Goals
Endorphins
Looking good naked.

That’s why I run!
Really cute giveaway idea, Caitlin! If I win I’m going to use the free registration for the Wet Nose 5K in Memphis, Tn. It benefits a local dog rescue!
Love, Laura

To me, running now symbolizes HEALTHY. Since I started running in June, I am not healthier than I have ever been in my life!

I run to keep sane!

Because I can, and “can” is a gift.

I never run. Why? I hate the feeling and I get shin-splints. Recently, I found out that if you do too much at one time, shine-splints are common. whoops. I am not a natural runner but I want to run. I want to run far, not fast. I think that part of the reason I have not had the courage yet is becasue I have had no reason to run. No motivation. I recently told my “runner” boss how much I’ve wanted to do this. Honestly, my budget is a little too tight to squeeze an actual 5k race. I would love to win this give-away. Thanks 🙂

I love it because I CAN ACTUALLY do it. I never thought it was possible at my weight. But its become a great part of my weight loss process. :)I feel good after and I cant imagine having never given it a try.

What running means to me: I’ve always been told not to run. Osteoarthritis runs in my family and at 24, I’ve already got it pretty bad (my mom actually had her first knee replacement at 50). However, I’ve always wanted to run. So, after reading a few books on running, I learned about Chi running and just ran my first 5k two weeks ago! Now I want to do it again, just to be sure the first time wasn’t a fluke and that I can do it (as many times as I want)!

I run because it’s difficult for me. It makes me feel proud and accomplished…all before most people are out of bed! It’s a great mental health boost.

We stayed at a Le Meridien in San Francisco. Other than the weirdly shaped room and secluded location, we loved it. It’s so modern!

I run because there’s nothing like it for giving me confidence, challenging me, and making me feel physically strong. It’s a total rush. I started about 7 years ago to lose weight and feel in total love. I’d do it every day if my knees didn’t object so loudly. Love, love, love.

I run because I can continuously challenge myself and make myself proud day after day.

I was a runner in high school… indoor track, outdoor track, and cross country. I fell off the wagon in college but since graduated, I’ve found my groove (and my love for running) again. I love the way it makes my body and mind feel. And I am so happy to have inspired my sister to run her first 5k and my boyfriend to run his first 5k and half marathon (his first marathon on Sept 18!).

I started running to lose weight after I graduated college…nothing was cheaper than a pair of running sneakers and a little motivation. Now I run for my happiness and sanity. If I don’t get in my morning run, I feel out of whack/unbalanced and I become cranky (as well as achy)! 🙂

I run because I can. We take advantage of so much in life, including our bodies, and too often we wake up to discover that something we never thought twice about has been swept out from under our feet. Therefore I run and will continue to do so until I can’t — Because I never want to take myself for granted.

Running is my way of reminding myself than I am stronger than I usually give myself credit for

I run because I always feel better afterwards. It doesn’t matter if I am in a bad mood or a good mood before my run because I am always in a GREAT mood after.

I run for so many reasons, but the big one is to avoid any health problems I might see today or later in life. As an ER nurse I see plenty examples of bad health, and people in their 20’s can look 80 when they haven’t cared for themselves. Gives me good motivation!

I run because it is my thing.. i feel at peace.. I feel enpowered…I feel confident.. and know that I can keep going strong.. it keeps me mentally stable..and connected to nature.. I love to run 🙂

it’s not just a Fitness Centre, it’s a Gimnasio…whoa baby! lol 😉

I love the deals that can be found through priceline and hotwire. We got a $450+ room at W hotel for under $120 last march through hotwire. crazy!

I have been trying (and failing) to train for a 5k for an embarrassingly long time now. I just moved to LA, though, and I’m back trying again. Running outside makes me so happy, and with West Coast weather, how can you not enjoy it?

Running means hitting the pavement, not hitting others
It is taking the meaning out of how much gas costs
Your ride is unique. You are your own ride.
Pounding one block
Then another
Then a mile
Then a race
When your mind starts to run faster than you, you get out there and beat it!
Jumping over puddles, proving you will not drown in this one.
Dodging branches, branching out
Covering more ground
than you can sitting at home.
You hear your body running in your breath. You usually never hear your body running
It is silent. It is easy to take for granted. When you run, you hear it. It lets you know what it does for you all day
Every day
The blood runs through you to your fingers, your toes
Meaning you are alive
You are free
To run
To face your challenges, not timidly but as a full frontal assault
You’ll plow right through them.
You don’t need accessories, you don’t need equipment
You just need yourself
Your self.

I started running because I had a crush on a runner – five years later, I can’t even remember the runner’s name (lol!) but I’m still running. I run because it makes me able to handle the rest of my life with grace, and because it makes me feel strong and beautiful.

I started running because I felt I should! Then I got a border collie and I was forced to run! Although I’ve had bad sidelining injuries (ITBS, stress fractures) I’m still at it!

I run to be me. To be alone, alone with my thoughts. To get away from anyone or anything that needs me. Running is MY time; my time away from my husband, kids, house, everything.

I run to stay sane.

I ran away from mild depression…I ran away from obesity…I ran away from a person I didn’t even know I was.

Running is life.

The reason why I run is best explained in a story. This week I started my 6th year teaching kindergarten. I love it, but it’s a very, very stressful job. I started this week feeling like I do at the beginning of every year, exhausted, stressed and with a massive headache. Finally yesterday morning I woke up before my alarm and decided why don’t I go for a run? A quick 20 minute run and I felt SO much better. My stomach was no longer tied in knots and I felt energized and ready to take on the day. And that, is why I run 🙂

I know this is cliche…..but I really feel like running has made me a better person. I have challenged myself, I have gained confidence, I have made friends with the MOST positive people on the planet (i.e. who will wait out in the rain while I slog my way through a race), has hopefully added years to my life, I have volunteered and cheered on strangers to give everything on a run and giving me a passion I know will never go away.

Running is a good way for me to “burn off the crazy” and be a better wife and mom. 🙂

Running keeps me sane! I love the feeling when I’m miles away from home and I realize I can’t do any work even if I wanted to. It forces me to take a break and re-center myself!

I’m just beginning to get into running and I think a 5K would be a great way to start. I’ve suffered from knees problems (hello, three torn ACLs) so I got into biking as my preferred form of exercise. After my first century this summer, I’ve had my eye set on competing in a triathlon next Spring! I’m just nervous about the running, but I figure I can start with short distances and work my way up. Thanks for the constant encouragement, Caitlin!

We just moved to a new state, and running has replaced my old job and friends. It has filled a lot of voids I felt in this new place, and my endurance is through the roof. I ran my first half marathon in April and training for my first marathon in November. And running makes me a better mom to my four kids. Even though it is a large time commitment, I’m a better mom when I’m finished.

I just started running.. and I’m trying to love it. I want to be able to run a 5k, be healthy, energized, and lose a little weight in the process.

(this is the coolest giveaway ever, btw)

I’ve been so focused on long distance racing I’ve totally let the excitement of short(er) distances fade. I’d love to get back into sprints, speed work, and RACING-RACING. Bring on the pain, 5K!

Running is confidence, strength and a time when I can be with my thoughts! It is my love!
My 5k is the Turkey Trot at Catonsville High School. It supports my high school XC team!

I run because it’s a release from my everday stressors! I can just be alone in my head and it’s A.MAZ.ING! 🙂
-Speaking of 5k! I literally just signed up for one this morning, how strange! 🙂

Awesome idea to do this, also!

Running for me is about a lot of things: fitness, proving I can do it, meeting new challenges. But mostly, I’ve really come to enjoy it. When I don’t run before work, I’m really tired and lethargic all day, but when I get my run in, I’m ready to face anything!

I have a 1 1/2 year old daughter-after her birth I did 1-5k and 5 mile race-but this was mostly to prove to myself and the world I could do it-suffered through them. Now after a year and a half I really miss running and need to get back into it for the enjoyment of it and not to prove anything. I am a much nicer person when I am consistently running and need to get back into it for real!

What a GREAT idea!!! I started running (well jogging) because I wanted to lose weight, and be considered an athlete!! Im not fast!! But I keep plugging away, and Im enjoying the challenge!!

Running is my alone time-since I have 2 young children! It’s also put me on the path to be back where I was fitness-wise before I had kids!

The very first time I got on a treadmill and attempted to run, I weighed well over 200 lbs and couldn’t even make it a full minute. As I continued my healthy life style change, I got up the courage to try again and I remember the day I ran just 1/4 mile without stopping, and I very vividly remember the first time I made it a full mile without stopping and how proud and accomplished I felt. Since then, it has been challenging with achilles tendins way too short for comfort and the injury it seems to recurrently induce on them, but I love it. It makes me feel like I’ve given myself completely to something in a way almost no other work out does. And I JUST decided I was finally going to sign up for my first race ever…the Susan Komen race for the cure 5K in Phoenix on October 9th, but I haven’t officially signed up yet :O)

This is actually a coincidence because I just started the C25k program last week and am training for my first 5K in October. I’ve always thought I hated running but was active in other things….Zumba, kickboxing, etc. I finally just decided to give running a try to see if I really did suck at it or if it was all a mental thing and I’m actually loving it so far!

I love to run! I’ve been injured for awhile with Plantar Fasciitis and am receiving treatment and want to race so badly! Everytime I see someone running or my group at the Y, I get sad and want to GO RUN! So, The River City Rat Race is coming up soon, and I hope to be back at it for the race. I run for health, my sanity, and for the social aspect to hang for friends! I miss it!!!

Running saved my sanity- I started running initially because my husband bought me a treadmill and walking was getting boring. Before I knew it I was hooked on the feeling of accomplishment as depression slowly crept up on me running was the only thing that kept me going day after day. I was finally diagnosed with depression and am currently on medication but I still credit running with allowing me to not completely fall apart. As a SAHM I am on a strict budget & can’t really justify money for a 5k but there is one on Halloween I’ve been lusting after.

I started running in high school to stay in shape for basketball. I never thought I would actually run for enjoyment years later, but it has become a vital part of my life. Running is more than just a sport to me. It is something that I do for myself, helps me feel good about myself, build confidence, and allows me to put other things in my life in perspective. No matter the speed or distance, I can always be assured that I will feel better after a run.

I love to run because it has taught me to respect my body and nourish it properly. I was running long distances, and not fueling properly, and before long i was battling injuries that threatened my future as a runner. But I took a break, learned from my mistakes, and have learned to give my body the fuel that it needs.

Running means something I’d never thought I could love or be good at; it’s changed my whole idea of who I am and what I’m capable of 🙂

Honestly, I’m just starting out training for my first half marathon and I don’t love it. My knees hurt, my lungs burn, I am usually counting down the steps until I get closer and closer to the end of my route. However I DO love the feeling afterwards (besides being done ; ) ) but knowing I pushed through something that is good for me, and something that hopefully-over time- i will learn to love.

Running has given me a sense of pride and independence. I’ve been a runner for about 5 years now. After a very hard divorce, running gave me back my confidence!

I am new runner, and I really want to have a first race in the future to motivate me to get going! I started running earlier in the year, but a new job and life changes got in the way. I’d really love to have a goal to set me sights on!

What a great giveaway! I love the running endorphins and also the extra calorie burnage to make up for a few extra snacks in my diet.

Running means hope. 30 pounds ago I NEVER thought I could run a 5K. Having quit nearly every sport or hobby I’ve tried over the years, I really expected to give up on running pretty quickly. But it’s been 4 years since my first 5K and now I’m thinking about a half marathon in the spring 🙂

I run for many reasons — to stay active, because I like it, because I can, because it’s a stress reliever, because I feel great after it and many more reasons! I think this is a really nice giveaway Caitlin 🙂

I run to stay fit and stay sane!

I run as a way to get away from it all. Just listen to music, watch the scenery, its a great way for me to relax and unwind. Plus, I’ve found that races are so much fun! I was on cloud nine for days after I finished my first half marathon (and first race)!

I want to just get started. I enjoy reading about your training and race recaps and I would love for that to be me. A giveaway like this would be just the motivation I need to break into running. Thanks for the opportunity.

Running to me is a way of feeling accomplished! Also, a great stress reliever. 🙂

What a great giveaway! I’m running my first 5K in two weeks – the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in honor of my mom who is a breast cancer survivor. I’m honestly terrified, even though I’ve been training for the past 6 weeks I’m scared I won’t be able to make it! I’ve really been enjoying my training runs and know that once I feel the adrenaline on race day I’ll be hooked!

I’ve had (and continue to have) a great life. But last year was an exceptionally hard one – professionally, personally, financially and health-wise. While friends and family were there for me, I had to hit rock bottom to realize that at the end of the day, I have to pull myself up on my own. I started walking in the evenings to clear my mind. Then I walked longer. And jogged a bit. And didn’t die. So I kept jogging – one extra block a day. It was incredible. Some days I’d run a bit, stop, cry, and run some more. It was the only time I felt on my own, free, and strong (interestingly, this brought on the waterworks too!). I googled “running” and “healthy” (and came across HTP and other blogs), I printed out C25K and taped it to my fridge, got a friend to sign up for a 5k with me, and then I ran. I feel like a chump saying I finished a 5k, given how much faster and longer most people run, but honestly, I was on TOP of the world when I finished my first 5k in June :)) Things turned around eventually, but it was TOUGH and running saved me. Because of some of those life changes, I’m now in a new city where it’s not easy at all to just run in my neighborhood, but the only way I’m getting my im-strong-me-time is by running – so I run in crowded sidewalks and dodge traffic. But I don’t care. I’m now a RUNNERRRR!!!

Running to me means peace and self-love. It allows me to be honest to myself and get rid of all the negative thoughts I have throughout the day. It challenges me and makes me feel stronger, and it pushes me to be a better person!
But if I won this, I would get a 5k entry for my dad. He started C25K this week because he wants to get in shape and run a marathon next fall. He wants to do so to celebrate turning 50, beating cancer, and to show me how proud he is of my academic accomplishments. But really, I’m the one who’s proud of him! An amazing man.

I run not only to stay in shape, but to relieve stress. I love being able to pound the pavement or complete a HIIT workout without the stresses of life bringing me down. In those moments, it’s just me and my legs, which is one of the greatest feelings in the world.

Hahahaha…I LOVE honey badger…he just don’t care! :))

Running has, and continues, to teach me so many things – it’s that place where I realize the ways I bring myself down and practice treating myself better, like learning to recognize my mini-accomplishments and take time for myself. I would LOVE to run a 5k, but I’m on a tight budget. I managed to find an affordable 8k for this year, but right now it looks like my own budget is limited to one race per year. Getting to add a 5k would be a dream! Especially if I could use it as motivation in training for a longer race like a 10k. Thank you for offering this opportunity to all of us!

I don’t run right now, but I have about 8 weeks until I give birth to my first child. I think getting back into running would help me be a great mother and wife.

I run to enjoy some me time after a day spent with 19 seven year olds! I am a 2nd grade teacher! 🙂

I love running because it keeps me sane! I crave it as a release and I love seeing myself progress and improve my fitness!

I want to start running to work on my fitness. Also, to have an exercise waiting right outside my door!

I just made a resolution to set a personal record in a 5K! I love running because although it takes some pushing to get myself going, I feel so unbelievably strong and proud of myself afterwards. 🙂

I run to eat. My friend and I joke that we are ‘team meatballs’ because after a race, we go to our favourite spaghetti restaurant!

I should note that neither of us actually order the meatballs. 😛

Great giveaway idea! I got halfway through C25K before life got a little busy and I sort of dropped it 🙁 Just starting again – to me, running is a way to lose some lbs, let off steam and make some friends!