Passionate pursuit of my best running self — how about you?

~ Chocolaterunsjudy
Deb Runs

I am passionate about many things: animals, food, fitness, yoga, reading, movies, clothes. Running, too, of course. It definitely wasn’t that way at the beginning. And I would still categorize my relationship with running as love/hate. Today I am joining up with Deb Runs for her Wednesday word & I just love reading all the bloggers’ takes on the same word!

I choose to fill my days with what I’m passionate about, and live with purpose. — Ann Curry

So I could go on and on about why I’m passionate about running, but what caught my eye was this definition of passionate: having a strong belief.

I do have a strong belief: I believe that there is a faster runner inside of me. I just see no reason why I can’t get faster. It is this belief, this passion, that keeps me running — this pursuit of my best running self.

Crossing the Maddie's Mark 5k finish line
Pursuing my best runner self!

In “Spirit of the Marathon” (a must-see movie for runners, in my humble opinion, despite the fact that I’ve never run a marathon), one of the runners they follow is an older guy. And he talks about how you think if you could just do it again, this time you’ll get it right. But of course you don’t, so you keep coming back and trying again. Sound familiar?

That runner also talks about how he’s never experienced a runner’s high — until he stops running! I think a lot of us can relate to that, too.

But being passionate about being the best runner I can be — it’s part of what motivates me to run. It isn’t the only thing, but it’s definitely up there.

What’s worked for me is not quitting and being passionate about what I do and not giving up – and when I don’t believe in myself, turning to others that believe in me. — Marc Jacobs

Why do you run?

16 thoughts on “Passionate pursuit of my best running self — how about you?”

  1. I love this post. Running has really taught me a couple things. First, that I can achieve more than I give myself credit for and second, positive thinking is the path to success when trying to achieve new goals. I started running to lose weight, but it is developing into an activity that makes me feel better about myself by giving me more confidence.

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  3. Track workouts made me a faster runner – even more so than trying to do the same thing on the treadmill. I think doing what my legs could do vs/ what the treadmill belt told them to do made a difference.

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  4. I think we’re all chasing that runner’s high, which is probably just a myth, but I do notice my mood drop quite a bit if I’m not running. So maybe there’s some truth in that it’s a continual feeling spurred on by each and every run, rather than a one time boost at the end of each run?

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  5. Why do I run?? When I’m running outside, I enjoy the scenery. When I’m running with friends, I enjoy the conversation. When I’m running on the treadmill, I listen to music and let all my worries go.

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  6. I like goals and racing keeps me pointed in the right direction. I think I can get faster but then when I get out there, I wonder if I am delusional. Every time I finish a race, I wonder if I could have done better – walk less, start slower, train better. I guess it keeps me signing up more.

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  9. You know running just makes me feel good! I’m not talking about the aches and pains but what’s inside me knowing I’m going something good for myself. I have more confidence now than ever, and running gave me that. I am able to deal with life better too, running gave me that! There are just so many benefits I’ve received! Great post Judy!

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  10. I love “The Spirit of the Marathon.” My running group went to see it together at the theater when it came out. If I remember correctly, it only played one night (as planned) and then went straight to DVD. Thinking of this makes me want to pull it out and watch it again.

    Thanks for linking up!

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