Running for a Purpose

I have found something new to add to my list of favorite things.  Most people don’t understand it and often view it as pointless or just plain silly.  I am not the only person who enjoys this thing and yet it is not a common love, although it is gaining popularity. 

The idea of running many miles with seemingly no purpose just seems ridiculous to people.  I am often asked why I run, particularly why I would want to run a half marathon.  Why would I want to commit so much time to something that is so pointless? 

I have to admit I used to be one of those people who saw long distance running as pointless.  I believed if you weren't running for a ball or away from an attacker there was absolutely no point in running.  I played soccer so I ran a lot but off the field running was not something I enjoyed.  Without the excitement of the game and challenge of other players, running help no appeal. 

Then in college a group of my friends convinced me to run the Bolder Boulder, a 10k in Boulder, Colorado.  I still have no idea why I said yes.  I was terrified and in total disbelieve I could actually run that far.  But for some reason I said yes and paid my money, which as a broke college kid meant there was no turning back.  Getting ready for that race started to convince me that maybe I could enjoy running. 

Then the day of the race came and the feeling I felt when I crossed that finish line was one I don’t think I could ever adequately put into words.  Part of me just wanted to collapse, but there were thousands of runners behind me and I really didn’t want to get trampled.  Plus, there was a free beer waiting for me.  I also felt relieve it was over and yet so proud of myself for finishing, in a rather respectable time I might add for my first 10k. 

But the best part of that day was sharing that experience with my friends.  We didn’t run the race together because they were way faster than me, but when we had all finished, we were able to share a feeling of accomplishment and joy knowing while not physically together we had been supporting one another through this whole journey. 

After that race I ran on and off, my stint in Ireland was not conducive to running.  The sun is pretty much never out and you can only run in the freezing cold on the 3 streets of Delvin so many times before you start to go a little crazy.  But as the New Year’s Day 2014 approached I knew I wanted to do something to improve my health and work toward something on my bucket list. 

That is about the time my cousin Kelsey mentioned she wanted to run a half marathon.  Now, I’m not great at math but I could figure out that was half way to my goal of a full marathon.  I again was hesitant I could do it, I’m still not convinced I can do it, but again I said yes anyway.  We signed up and now there’s no turning back.  This time though, it’s not just because I’m broke and don’t want to lose out on 80 bucks but also because I truly love running.

Do I always feel like going to the gym?  No.  When it was -20 degrees out do you think I wanted to leave my house to run?  Absolutely not!  But I go because as much as I hate the cold and have very important Netflix marathons to take part in, I love running. 

So, now I have an answer for the question, “Why do you run?” 

I run for a few reason.  The selfish reason I run is because I love it, as I said before.  I love how I feel when I finish a run.  I feel exhausted but proud of myself for accomplishing my goal for the day and coming one step closer to my goal.  Running is like cheap therapy for me.  I run out stress on bad days and run for joy on good ones.  I think in many ways running makes me a much better person. From stress relief to confidence running helps me feel better.  This is one reason I run but there is a much more important reason that actually gives it purpose.

The more important reason I run is because I care for all of you. Now when you first read that sentence you probably thought I was crazy.  I’m guessing you thought, man this girl is nuts.  How can running be done because of care for others?  Isn't it a selfish sport done only for personal gain and glory?  Some of you may know where I’m going with this, but for those of you who are still confused let me explain.

I run for those around me.  Every time I run I offer up the time for those I love as a prayer.  Each minute, each mile, each song on my iPod is offered up for someone in my life.  Offering up my runs for others gives those endless treadmill minutes purpose.  How often do we experience when we do something for others rather than selfish reasons it is so much more fruitful?  The same is true of my running.

Now, some may still not understand how running can be a prayer but I assure it is for me.  See, I may not be good at sitting still in adoration, I am way too much like Dory the fish to be good at that, but running is something I can do.  St. Therese of Lisieux shared with us her little way.  This way challenges each of us to offer up each moment of our lives for the Lord.  When I offer my run up as a prayer I am living my little way. 

We each have ways we can carry out this little way in our own lives.  We don’t have to do extraordinary acts but rather ordinary acts with great love as Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta says.  Running is one way I do this.  I may not be changing the world but it is something I can do and many times it’s all I can do.  I can’t fix your broken heart or heal your illness, but I can run and offer that up for you. 

We must take every opportunity to live for the Lord.  Maybe running isn’t your thing but painting is.  Paint for the Lord.  As you paint offer up each paint stroke for a person or say a rosary as you paint a canvas.  Whatever your favorite things are, find a way you can live out the little way.  Find a way you can turn the ordinary into the extraordinary with great love.  This way when someone asks you why you do something you can answer, “because of love.”

P.S. If you have any prayer intentions you would like me to pray for please let me know.  I would love to pray for your intentions.