Writing about running

It’s been a year and a half since I started writing this blog about running 12 races in 12 months. Frankly, I can’t remember what came first in this chicken-or-the-egg scenario. I don’t recall if it was the act of running a race, or the act of putting pen to paper that started my motivational wheels turning.

I have come to terms with the fact that writing about running is just as important to me as the act of running itself. In this, I’m not the only one. Exercise memoirs are becoming more prevalent, and many writers have come out from behind their desks to reveal themselves as true runners. This is exciting.

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Not only does this provide inspiration for others when reading about these running adventures, but keeping up with running is the antidote to the sedentary lifestyle of a writer. The inner angst that is a common trait among writers is best taken out tapping away at the keyboard or pounding the pavement. Both are cathartic experiences that provide a release for these solitary and deep-thinking spirits.

Committing to writing about my running experiences had provided me with accountability. This comes in the form of a bi-weekly deadline and an incredibly supportive editor providing me with a very good reason to have to consider my running and writing goals on a regular basis.

My big confession is that my preference would be to spend my spare time reading and writing instead of running. This is my constant struggle. Running doesn’t come naturally to me nor is it something I overly enjoy doing. It’s a difficult challenge for me, which is why doing it is such an epic personal goal, month after month and week after week.

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The greatest joy in writing about running, for me has been writing about the experience of those who run alongside of me and who I have introduced to running in races. My friends, my children, my friends’ children, my colleagues and my new friends who I have met along the way are the people who I most enjoy writing about. I also enjoy writing about the different locations and scenery along race routes. In a way, I’m a self-proclaimed running reporter.

What I can conclude is that the actual act of running may actually be the by-product of my writing and personal goal attainment. The reason that I write is because I run. The reason that I run is because I write. Both of these statements make sense to me and are true, so the writing and running are becoming synonymous to me. Now if I can just stop writing and go for a run…