Running

Running.

I hate it.

As most of you know running and I don't really get along.  I don't know why, really.  I was asked recently to explain why running or even the thought of it makes my skin crawl. 

1.  As soon as I start running I want to stop.
2.  I get out of breath super easy.
3.  My mind is never at ease while running.
5.  I just feel pain while I run/ I feel like I'm suffocating.

That would round out my top 5.  I could go on but I'll save the many other reasons for a fire side chat with my dog Brody.  He has such great eye contact and he's a good listener!

I know there more than a few of you guys out there that completely agree with me on the whole BAN RUNNING CAMPAIGN!  But before we ban running completely, lets look at a few reasons why we should keep it around and maybe even practice it a little more.

1.  Running is primal.  I bet cavemen and women ran from time to time and those guys and gals are as primal as it gets.

2.  Running is a skill.  Don't believe me?  Why do Kenyans always win marathons?  Before you attempt to answer, please do not reply with: They live at higher altitudes, they run from lions, they don't have cars, they have running schools (this is true!) etc. etc.  Besides some of the things I mentioned, Kenyans got skillz (with a Z)!  They do not bounce really high when they run, their stride is nearly perfect, they fall into the next step instead wasting energy etc.  Your stride length, frequency, and how you strike the ground are all things that need to be practiced to become a more skillful runner.

3.  Running, quite simply, is convenient. You don't need any elaborate gear. No special playing field or apparatus. No need to juggle the schedules of others. Just a pair of shoes and the inclination to get out the door.

We have a tee shirt that says, "If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you."  I guess I'll go put on my kicks!