 photo credit: Edison Yao People always ask me why I run SO MUCH, and that got me thinking. . .
I run between 170-200km/week all year long, but why do I do it to myself? I run because I grew up in a home where no one ever told me I was good enough, or strong enough, so every day I’m out running, I prove them wrong. I run because it forces me to honour a commitment that I make to myself every day to go out the door and “get it done.” Honouring commitments makes me a better person, and it allows people whom I love to know that they can count on me. I run because some of the best people I’ve met in my life are runners who are part of a huge supportive and loving community. This reminds me that “family” can come in all shapes and sizes…. I “love” my running family with all my heart. I run because it has helped me battle my drug/alcohol addiction and now, it is helping me come to terms with trauma from childhood sexual abuse. When I run, my mind is free of the everyday “noise” in my head, and it’s a time to work out problems and find solutions. I run because it keeps me in tune with my body. Runners know how to stay healthy, how to fend-off injury, and how to recover from aches and pains. This reminds me that my relationships with others will never be “fruitful” unless I look after myself first. I run because I get stressed when I’m away from my home. When I travel, I always go for a run in the morning, and this allows me to not only explore a new place but also feel comfortable that my routine has traveled with me. I run because no matter what mood I’m in, how happy I am, what I am afraid, or even how lucky I feel… Running ALWAYS makes my day better. I run because nothing makes me feel “better in my skin” than that feeling of tired muscles, burning lungs, and heightened awareness that one gets after a hard run. My name is Jean-Paul, and I AM A RUNNER.
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