I Run to Be

This new year has gotten me thinking about what I want to be. How do I want to represent my best self? I think the Nike Women's Marathon I ran last year had it right when they wrote the motto "I Run to Be." It's a simple enough phrase, but it can have a much deeper meaning.

I run to be more fit and to lead a healthier lifestyle, but it's more than that. I run to be a better representation of myself. I run to prove what I can do to myself. Running opens up so many doors that I never thought it could. There is a whole community of runners with stories about how they came back from incredible odds to complete their first marathon or race and how it changed their lives. These stories are inspiring and uplifting and I think almost every runner has had a moment where they realized this was their passion.  This is the reason they run.

Even more amazing is how running seems to affect every aspect of my life. When I push myself to reach running goals I find myself pushing myself in other areas of my life. My work seems to go better and my relationships are stronger. Maybe it's the endorphins or the sense of accomplishment or the discipline it takes to continue to run every day. Whatever it is, running brings out the best in people.

Give it a try to day and let me know how running is changing your life.