I often get asked why I run so many miles, so many races. Every runner has their reasons, but I think mine are pretty simple - as an excuse to spend long periods of time playing outdoors, for Jackson, and for the memories. Getting Outdoors As a child we spend many, many hours outside. Playing tag, riding bikes, running through the sprinklers, jumping in puddles, and climbing trees. But as we reach adulthood, this falls away. When I moved to Colorado 12 years ago a friend invited me to join a run club. I wasn't "over the moon" about this idea, but I did like the idea of getting outside for a run (and then heading back to the pub for a celebratory toast), so I signed up. Though the running part wasn't so fun at first (and I was always the last person to finish the loop), I really enjoyed the thinking time and the fresh air (even though we were running in downtown Denver). Over the years I've expanded my running to much longer distances and, thankfully, have moved off the road for most of my runs and spend much of my time off the beaten path. The longer distances allow for more time outdoors and wonderful views along the way! #IR4Jackson Nearly two years ago I learned of the I Run 4 program (www.whoirun4.com) and signed up to be paired with a buddy. A little over a year ago I was paired with Jackson, a little boy with CHD (specifically, Jackson has a hole in his heart) and epilepsy. Jackson is a little warrior who is now two, and whose favorite animal is the cow. Running for him gives my runs, both training and races, a purpose; he gives me strength...and he's also renewed my excitement for cows. It has been an amazing experience to get to know Jackson and his parents, and I was blessed with the opportunity to meet them when I traveled to Chicago for a race last fall. I look forward to returning to Chicago this fall to run a race, see Jackson and his parents, and to meet Jackson's new baby brother. Memories Life is about experiences. As a single thirty-something, the world is my oyster as far as what I want to do with my free time. I love to travel and to spend time with friends, and I find that running is a great way to meld these two passions together to create lasting memories. When pounding the pavement I get to see old friends and meet new, explore new cities during the race, and see the sights while playing tourist after the run. Trail running allows me to explore the backcountry and see glorious sights. I'm happy to go out and do training runs on my own, and many of my favorite memories, such as the one pictured above, are captured in pictures during those runs. Many races provide a more tangible reminder of the memories with medals. A number of my friends choose their races based on the medals, which can often lead to some pretty awesome "bling," but for me, it is often the smallest or most softly-stated medals that mean the most. Regardless the size, I hang my medals with pride and often break into a smile when one of the medals catch my eye, bringing a memory to the front of my mind. That said, I continue to run - to explore new cities and trails, to make new friends and visit old, to get outside and enjoy the fresh air like a kid again...all the while making wonderful new memories! Now - a little "bonus" for reading through the end of the blog! I got the rack you see pictured above from Victory Medal Hangers (victorymedalhangers.com) a couple months ago, and the have graciously offered to do a giveaway of one of these medal racks! (Your choice of 1 row or 3 as the rack pictured above, and they'll ship directly to you.) So, let's hear it... * Why do you run? * What are some of your favorite memories? Share a little bit below to be entered into the drawing for a chance to be the newest owner of one of these awesome medal displays! (Please share by 10pm MST on 8/12, and I'll randomly pick a winner on the 13th!) In the meantime, HAPPY RUNNING!!!
43 Comments
Rebecca Mayer
8/6/2017 05:56:18 am
I run for fitness and sanity. I'm a full time working mom of 5, my oldest being 10 years old, and I have a minimum 60 minute commute each way. Having that alone time helps me sort my thoughts and feelings, release frustrations and anxiety.
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Melissa
8/6/2017 10:03:25 pm
Sounds like you have some GREAT reasons to run - and beyond sanity, you're setting an excellent example for your kiddos!!
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Heather
8/6/2017 06:45:26 am
Love this post! I can relate to a lot of it - especially the going from childhood to adulthood - and trying to keep that sense of adventure, connection with nature, and activity level. I also run to decompress, and feel better. My biological mom died from colon cancer at a little over age 50, and she was completely sedentary. I want to maintain my activity level, so I don't spiral into constantly worrying about having the same (or similar) results.
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Melissa
8/6/2017 10:06:34 pm
I love your reason for running...and that you got your non-running hubby to get out and run with you - way to go!!!
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Jeffrey
8/6/2017 09:00:57 am
I run in order to challenge my body and mind, test it, and take it places unimaginable. I strive to prove that age is only a number and that anything can be accomplished with determination, desire and dedication. Also, I like to set positive examples for my wife and two boys that with hard work anything is possible!
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Melissa
8/6/2017 10:07:24 pm
That is SUCH a fun way to run the marathon...and I LOVE that you're getting the entire family out and moving!!! Well done!
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Shelky Thompson
8/6/2017 03:05:20 pm
I run to challenge myself physically and mentally. I run with my friends when I can and it's a real adrenaline rush just being with my amazing Marthoner in Training group
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Melissa
8/6/2017 10:09:07 pm
I love using races as motivation to keep training and working also...and my dog is also one of my favorite running partners. So far the furthest she's run with me is about 11 miles, and recently she's been keeping it pretty short...but this fall/winter I hope to train her for her first half!
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Enrique
8/7/2017 07:53:28 pm
I run for the feeling I get afterwards. It's a sense of accomplishment. I run to clear my mind and feed my soul. I haven't always liked running but started when I retired from the Police Department. In the past, running was a form of punishment and I associated it with discomfort. Now I love to run. I run 4 days out of the week with one day being a trail run. I don't feel right when I miss a running day. By no means am I a fast runner but I'm a consistent runner.
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Melissa
8/7/2017 09:08:34 pm
It's awesome that running has become such a huge piece of your life and happiness...and I'm glad that you too get to share it with you dog. They make wonderful running partners!!!
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James McMannes
8/9/2017 07:58:48 am
I run to be healthy and a good example for my son. It started when I weighed 345 lbs and decided to have weight loss surgery. The doctor suggested joining a gym and start working out. I started a month before my surgery, lifting for 15-20 minutes then getting on the treadmill for 30 minutes. After being a membe of the gym for 9 months they advertised a 5k that they were putting a team in. So I joined. Got hooked from the start, just trying to get a PR the next time out. The first year I ran about 13 5ks and my son came out to see me run one. He decided he would like to run. That was November 2013 and he has done 83 races, mostly kids runs, but he is getting ready to do his 11 5k. Even after two knee surgeries, I still get out and speed walk half marathons, and jog with my son in all of his races. Together we have started pushing for Ainsley's Angels and being the legs for those who can't run but still want to be included. Best feeling in the World and so glad I get to share this with him.
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Melissa
8/9/2017 08:04:42 am
Thanks for sharing your story - that's a wonderful journey, and I'm so glad you're able to share running and fitness with your son...and now give back to other's through AA!!
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Lynne Day
8/10/2017 01:24:14 pm
Why do you run? Gosh I have lots of reasons. For breast cancer patients who continue to fight the disease. For Chase Away K9 Cancer who helped me when I lost two Rotties to it. For wear blue: run to remember becase they want our troops to be more than a number. But most important is me. I have fought hard to lose 100 pounds and won't ever go back to being unhealthy.
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Melissa
8/10/2017 01:29:25 pm
Love it! And it's always great yo see your smiling face at the finish line!!
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Kate
8/10/2017 01:59:06 pm
I run to prove my 12 year old self wrong. I was the kid who had the doctor's note every year to get out of the mile run at the end of each school year because of my asthma. I never thought I would be able to run a mile, let alone consider myself a runner. Then I decided to do C25K, and something just clicked. I did a 5K, and then a 10K, then a 10 miler, and then a half marathon. The overwhelming joy I felt when I finished my first half marathon was incredibly special. Knowing that I did something for myself and in spite of myself (I still have asthma and carry my inhaler with me on every run) was pretty freaking awesome :) As far as favorite running memories, my 1st and 3rd half marathons are my favorite thus far. Excited to see what my next great running memory will be!
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Melissa
8/10/2017 02:26:04 pm
Yay! Way to show that 12yo version of you who is boss! Great job overcoming obstacles and taking down those barriers!
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I run to take a break from all the responsibilities and noise of life. It gives me a chance to do something hard and run the word "can't" out of my system.
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Melissa
8/11/2017 08:28:06 am
"Can't" should *definitely* not be in your vocabulary - you've run far too many miles for it to even be on the periphery of your mind! So excited for you to tackle LT100!!!
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Jacki RunJunkEe Dore'
8/11/2017 03:49:29 pm
I quit smoking on the anniversary if my kids fathers passing. I started walking, then running between telephone poles, then stretching further and further ahead. Ran my first color run and had to walk most of it but I didn't care because I was a winner! Ind day without smoking is s miracle! They say it's harder to quit then herion. I started pushing myself to run 5ks, then 10ks, and finally I ran my first half marathon which was in Killington Vermont ( with a name like Killington I should have realized it was going to kill me with all those humongous Hills ) I was new to this running and thought what is a few hills to run, three hours 17 minutes later I cross the finish line hopping on one leg crying my eyes out knowing that it was the greatest feeling in the world to have accomplished running 13.1 miles at age 50! I now run today for all those people who cannot run, and I will continue to dedicate all my miles to them until one day when I need them to dedicate their miles to me! Have a happy happy wonderful running day
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Melissa
8/11/2017 05:54:01 pm
Wonderful! What a fantastic story and such a great reason to run!! Thanks for sharing!
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Deborah Johnson
8/11/2017 04:08:48 pm
I run to keep my sanity, to keep my health, and to be an example to my family.
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Melissa
8/11/2017 05:54:52 pm
Sanity and being a good example - so very important!
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8/11/2017 04:59:57 pm
I run because it helps me combat depression and anxiety. I run because it makes me a better wife, mother and friend! I run because I like to run! I love running with friends and I don't think I could pick one favorite memory! One of my favorite memories is running the Grand Canyon with friends. It was beautiful and we had so much fun! I also like Saturday long runs . . . laughing for no other reason than we're exhausted, sore and slap happy!
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Melissa
8/11/2017 05:56:35 pm
I think the sore and slap happy runs are some of my favorites too!! The laughter and camaraderie is so good for the soul!
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Siri
8/11/2017 07:07:46 pm
Yesterday was my 7 year anniversary of being a non-smoker. Reflecting on that and why I run... I run because I don't ever want to smoke again. I run because I want to be healthy for as long as I possibly can. I run because I only have myself to compete with. I run because it's a great anti-depressant and helps with anxiety. I run races because I love watching other humans push their limits and have fun doing it. :-)
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Melissa
8/11/2017 07:09:28 pm
Congratulations on 7 years - that's fantastic!!!
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Melissa
8/14/2017 10:33:06 am
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! YOU WON!!!
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Cheryl Laban
8/11/2017 07:14:51 pm
I run for many reasons: be healthier and be around for my grandkids, to feel better and to prove to myself I am capable of something I thought I could never do. It helps relieve stress even though I'm extremely stressed before every race.
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Melissa
8/11/2017 07:17:43 pm
Yay! I'm so glad you're able to share running with your family...and that your daughter was able to be there with you for your first half even though she couldn't run it!!
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Stephanie
8/11/2017 09:34:12 pm
I run because of the wonderful running community! I have made so many friends, wonderful connections, and great memories. Plus my friends make me run and keep me accountable.
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Melissa
8/12/2017 12:46:39 pm
The community is definitely fantastic...as are the freebies! ;-)
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Christina
8/11/2017 10:20:14 pm
I run for my son. I want him to see a healthy and happy mom when he looks at me. I want him to know that anything is possible and the only thing standing in your way is yourself, so push yourself to be better. I was born & raised in Colorado (would never live any place else) and started running in high school. I continued to run as a way to get through the obstacles life gave me. I ran throughout my pregnancy and hope to one day run races with my son and be there to cheer him on in all he does.
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Melissa
8/12/2017 01:05:37 pm
Setting a healthy example for your son is a PHENOMENAL reason to run! Hopefully he's able to join you soon!
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Lisa Lee
8/12/2017 06:01:52 am
I discovered running 6 years ago when i was laid off from my job. I was feeling sorry for my self and decided to run a half marathon and then that would.be it. But at the finish line, i discovered how awesome it is and got hooked. I run for me and my health. I run to clear my head and focus. I run further to push myself and prove to myself i can and will. I run to encourage others. Great blog! And awesome medal rack!
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Melissa
8/12/2017 07:27:44 pm
I feel like saying, "just once" is almost like a guarantee that it'll happen again! ;-)
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Christie B
8/12/2017 06:28:41 am
I starting running again 5 years ago to regain my health. I had let bad habits and depression take over and I decided I needed to take back my life so I started running. First some 5k's, then added an 8k, and eventually working up to half marathons. I'm currently fightimg injuries right now, but hope to be back running soon.
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Melissa
8/12/2017 07:29:25 pm
Ugh. Injuries are the worst! I hope you recover quickly and are able to get back to running with your daughter soon!
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Sara Farmer
8/12/2017 08:56:37 am
As a youth and young adult I hated running just to run. I used to say- "only if it's after a soccer ball!" However, in 2012 I joined Weight Watchers and the Couch to 5K app was featured in a meeting handout. As I was looking for new ways to earn points (for more wine), I thought what the hell and started using the ap. I used it with fidelity and signed up for my first race- an Earth Day race in Boulder.
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Melissa
8/12/2017 07:31:35 pm
So happy I've gotten to know you through all of our crazy running...and I absolutely love how much your parents support your running/tris!!!
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Cecilia Harris
8/12/2017 10:17:14 pm
I run for fun and bling. I was never the athletic type growing up and my health always took a backseat to me taking care of someone else. As my marriage was waning I decided to do a half marathon to support my sorority sister. It was the beginning of the end for me. I loved the solo time training, the friends that I met, the bling that I got at the finish line.
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Melissa
8/14/2017 10:30:47 am
Running with friends...and the alone time...are such great benefits! You rock getting in all 55 of those so quickly!!! (I'm just slowly plodding through my states and to 100.)
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Rana
8/13/2017 06:00:39 am
I stared running because all the cool kids are doing it, to find that running has given me more than I imagined!
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Melissa
8/14/2017 10:31:50 am
So glad you've found the joy! I'm much the same and have moved away from using music so I can just enjoy the sights and sounds around me!
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Melissa is many things...among them, she is a friend, sister, daughter, dog owner, RunJunkEes Ambassador, Colfax Marathon Ambassador, Skirt Sports Ambassador, Lowry CrossFit member, and a mountain girl at heart! Archives
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