Why Running Fits Me

Do you have a sport? Something that is intimately tied to your identity? I didn’t used to. I grew up playing lots of different sports and didn’t really consider myself an athlete. But lately? I seem to be gravitating to two things – running and yoga.

I love hearing other people’s stories about how running and sports fit into their lives and their identities. I’m excited to have Amanda here today to share her story.

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I’m so happy to be able to help out—in a very small way—while Christine recovers from her surgery. She leaves some very big shoes to fill over here, so I’ll do my best!

One of the things I most admire about Christine is that she is a jack-of-all-trades when it comes to physical activity. Actually, she is a master of many. Me? Not so much, which is why running is my jam.

Let me explain:

While I love yoga and all its benefits, I’ll never be a bendable, graceful yogi. My body is stubbornly inflexible and I cringe whenever any yoga teacher asks us to do hip openers. My hips do not open.

Downhill skiing? My family loves it, but I have a really tough time letting go and rushing down a hill on two long planks. My 10-yr. old daughter has long been beating me to the bottom, rolling her eyes at my lack of daring while she waits on me.

There’s swimming, of course, which actually, isn’t such a terrible sport for me. But the whole driving to a pool, remembering all the gear hassle of it keeps me from being as regular at it as I should be.

Cycling I like, but as I’ve gotten older and more cars have been added to what used to be quiet routes, I’ve become less likely to go out. Plus, it requires a huge commitment of time, something I seem to have less of these days.

So it all comes back to running, which fits me perfectly. Running allows me to get outside and enjoy my surroundings, but without all the requirements of so many other sports.

There’s not much more to running than one foot in front of the other. I do think about my technique here and there, but not like I need to in something like swimming or cycling.

It requires very little time, when you get right down to it, which is certainly a bonus. Even when training for a marathon, I can pretty much have my runs done by breakfast and be on my way for whatever else is on my plate that day.

Gear is minimal in running, too. Yes, there are GPS watches and playlists to consider for some, but for me, shoes and clothing for the elements is about all I need.

Running is also the perfect companion sport when you’re traveling, and I love to travel. I always fit in runs while on trips and I’m able to do it without having to seek out a gym or some type of equipment. Right out the door I go and I get a pretty spectacular tour of the place I’m visiting to boot.

When you get down to it, there probably just isn’t a better sport for an uncoordinated, chicken-shit, wannabe athlete than running, don’t you agree? So while I’d probably be better rounded, stronger, and even more interesting, I’ll stick to running, now and forever.

Is running your jam? Find out what @misszippy1 thinks. #runchat #fitfluential
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Amanda Loudin is a freelance writer, running coach, and the voice behind the MissZippy1 blog, a site for runners seeking experienced advice, the latest running news, and a fun exchange of all things running related.

Amanda has been running and competing in triathlons for 14 years now. Her athletic experience includes 12 marathons, an Ironman, and literally hundreds of other races.

Amanda’s philosophy is that fitness is a journey and she loves sharing her passion with readers, fellow athletes, and running clients alike.

Follow her on her Blog, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest!

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