Running makes me feel strong, capable, and dare I say . . . lean? Even though I have a long ways to go.

I'm still a beginner. I'm on week five of C25K and will be running my first non-stop 20 minute session tonight. Which is more than I've ever done at once in my entire life! I want to run my first 5k this summer, which is a long way from how I was at my highest weight (when I could barely walk across my own living room).

Good luck with your goals, you can do it!

I run because I love it. And because I'm so, so completely sick and tired of indoor workouts/aerobics.

I ran a lot a few years back, got in an accident and it took me a few years to get back to running. Hopefully this time no disasters will strike and I'll be able to keep building the miles. I run for distance, because I like the feeling of accomplishment and the level of exertion. My body adapts to typical workouts so fast I have to constantly increase intensity. It's a pain. With running, increasing intensity is easy. Add a little distance or run a little faster and there ya go....harder workout! I also love to be outside.

I'm making myself cross train with weights and yoga, but that's the only inside training I can stand and only because I know it'll benefit my running. I'm cycling, about to start swimming (come on summer time and warm up the lake!!) and as soon as I can afford the equipment I want to kayak.

As a bonus, I loose weight very well when I run. Yay!

that sort of ~invincible~ feeling, yepyepyep i know exactly what you mean; and you know what? more running means you get to eat more
what a poor motive to run longer, but yknow, whatever tickles your fancy!

YES, i'm so sick of the recycled air, TV's and staring in a single direction all day at the gym, and don't forget the human interaction i couldn't care for in the least and girl, this running outside has turned me into a tree hugging hippie, seeing the animals, hearing the birds and feeling the wind..it's the bee's knees (and i kinda have a thing for running by street light and in the rain)

i also had baaad ankle injuries last fall and it set me back terribly physically and mentally; though i feel it has made me wiser. anyways, Run on! happy easter

Running makes me feel like crap, to be honest. It's hard and I feel so pathetic compared to the other people on the trail. I live in a place where fitness is a high priority and there are many professional athletes in the town.

But...I feel great after. I feel accomplished. I felt so proud a few weeks ago when I ran 30 min in a row for the first time in my entire life, and ran the furthest distance I had ever run. I love being outside and I like how running is a very quick option for a workout.

I run because it makes my hiking easier. I'm hoping it will help my endurance for dance as well.

Perhaps not very inspiring for you! But I run because it makes me feel great when it's over, I love being outside, and it improves my performance in activities I actually enjoy (hiking and dancing).

I plan to run a 5k in the fall for a friend (a cancer fundraising event). Last year I walked. I know even if I'm dead last, I'll feel so accomplished if I can run the entire thing!

i run because i like efficient workouts...I don't have hours to spend on any given workout and running is something that i can make very hard and spend a shorter amount of time on...i do intervals of fast running and a recovery walking minute because my lungs are not strong (asthma) and will always struggle with that...so if i can't run for distance, i will make whatever amount that i CAN run, the hardest I can handle

i run at my gym most of the time because 1) the weather here varies between rain and slush most of the year, 2) inhaling pollen while running outdoors is a very very bad idea for my lungs and 3) knowing that i PAID for my gym will actually get me there and working out

HOWEVER, no amount of working out FOR ME will offset bad eating...i have got to watch what i eat always and not give into that mindset of "oh i ran today so i can have extra dinner" ...that one will ALWAYS get me lol

I don't run yet but next year, after a few (ok a lot) more pounds come off to make it actual running and not awkward jogging, I'm looking to do a Zombie Run with my sister-in-law. She's doing it this year but she's been running for awhile and ready. She's got me thinking maybe I can actually finish it...but it does sound like a fun way to try a real race.