Celebrate National Running Day June 1st

By , SparkPeople Blogger
Running has been a passion of mine for well over five years now and something I plan on continuing to do for as long as I can. All you really need to become a runner is time, patience and a good pair of running shoes. You can run solo or with a group. You can run night or day. You can run outside on the road or on a trail or inside on a treadmill. You can run slow or fast. You can run across town or just around the block. You can run for an hour or just 10 seconds. Whatever you do, this day is meant to celebrate the passion we, as runners, share in this great sport.

When I asked for help from my fellow SparkPeople runners as to why they ran I was overwhelmed at the responses. From members who run while fighting multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis to those running just to reclaim their health, I could feel their passion in each response. Reading through all the responses, not one member mentioned anything about finishing first or winning a race. Not one mentioned being faster than their running partner. Not one mentioned competing against anyone else. It is how running makes them feel,how it changes them and how it helps them to deal with some of life's obstacles.

I am honored to share the road with some of the most inspiring people I have ever met. I hope you are inspired as I was when reading through their responses. Trust me when I say this, but runners share a unique bond no matter whether you are a newbie to the sport or a seasoned runner with 30 plus years under your belt.

Running has allowed many of us to live our dream of doing something we never believed we could accomplish. So in honor of National Running Day I will lace up my running shoes and pound the pavement. And if you would like to use tomorrow as your first day of becoming a runner, I encourage you to do so, your life will never be the same.

"I run because it makes me feel strong--mentally and physically!" RUNNER4LIFE08

"I run because it keeps the weight off and it is my way to remember all of the warriors who no longer can because they gave all for our country." RHONDALYN10

" I run because I can. Not everyone can, some are in wheelchairs etc, but I can, so I do)" SANDY6583

"I run because running shoes are cheaper than a psychiatrist!" DLEDBETTER11

"I run because it is a challenge I want to conquer." LAURIE5658

"I run because I CAN! I'm not letting my multiple sclerosis tell me "No!" LYNNANN43

"I run because I feel empowered and strong. I feel free." BURGHGIRL

"I run because I quit smoking after 30 years. If you don't smoke you should be a runner, right?" JULIE8464

"I run because it motivates my husband who is a heart patient. He can't run but he walks behind me or rides his bike alongside me." FREECLOUD

"I run because I love it!" BRANDNEWBUFFY

"I run because it makes me happy. I may not always be happy *while* I'm running, but I am always happy after I finish." TORTUETOO

"'I run because training keeps me on track, and most of all because there are so many things that happen in life, running feels like things slow down enough that I can process and hear things better." SO_THIN!TEACHER

"I run to beat rheumatoid arthritis-- one step at a time." JERIBERI1

"I run because I am addicted and to keep me on a healthy track" MKKAYA

"I run because it connects me to my body in ways that nothing else does; I feel more grounded, more in tune with my physical being when I run." GETFIT2LIVE

"I run to leave all my negativity on the pavement. To pound out the stress and tension and gain a sense of clarity." KMJ1977

"I run because it's made me 20 years younger" Freedomstar

"I run because it's something my body has NEVER been able to do before and because it's something I do just for me." MOMMYROCKS2

"I run because - if Momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!" GOEGIRL

"I run because I'm 54 and i want to reach 94." RENNAGADE

"I run because it doesn't come easy to me. Every new milestone is a hard-fought victory, which keeps me motivated and going back for more." SUSIQZER

"I run because it's who I am - a RUNNER!" MBSHAZZER

"I run because it is something I never thought I could do!" TIGGER622

" I RUN because it makes me feel strong, healthy, and confident inside and out." ABOYER12

"I run for two reasons. One I have MS and I run because one day I might not be able to. The main reason I run however, is because I can't fly." JANEREILLY

"I run because I like to amaze myself on a daily basis (I didn't start running until I was 51)" WISLNDR

"I run to try to stay one step ahead of some bad family health history." LBTHOMASJR

"Running, it has a little of everything in it, mental, physical and some spiritually. you train, you race, you enjoy. alone or with a another it is always rewarding." GWBACH

"I love feeling a part of a huge community of similarly driven individuals." SLEEPYDEAN

"God gave me legs and I am never going to take them for granted again. I'm going to use them to give myself a strong, healthy body." CELEBRATING-JEN

"I run because it reminds me that I can overcome anything. No matter how far, how many hills, or how hard if I just keep going I will make it to my destination." LUNATIFF

"I run because SparkPeople taught me to not be afraid to try" BAILEYS7OF9

"I run because It makes me feel invincible!" CRAVINGLIFE

"I run because I was told I couldn't and now I can't seem to stop." MOMOFDNE

""I run because it makes me feel young again" ROSIE777

"I run because it gives me the health benefit to be able to chase, run around and play with my grandchildren and I can take the stairs, park farther away at the mall, and it makes me feel GREAT!" VALERIE_

"'I run because it makes me feel free and strong, like I can accomplish anything!" AMYGOES211

How do you plan on celebrating National Running Day? Do these quotes inspire you to join the running community? If you are a runner, why do you run?

See more: running Motivational