National Running Day

Oh, you didn’t know that was today? Actually, it’s the third annual National Running Day! This event, on the first Wednesday of June,was organized by a coalition of running groups, including one I belong to, the New York Road Runners; along with the Boston Athletic Association; the U.S.A. Track and Field; and others. The Running Day site has a running (yup!) commentary from visitors on why they run that is both silly (“to look good naked”) and sublime (“because it shows my commitment to my freedom.”)  Here are my top 10 reasons:

10. To be social. Met tons of friends on the streets in town and at races.               9.   To be alone. It’s the ultimate “me” time.                                                                         8.  Convenience. I can step outside with my “sneaks” any time or day, just about anywhere. No car, no special equipment needed.                                                     7.   Good for my insides. Let’s see: my heart, lungs and muscles benefit; it also, helps reduce blood pressure, controls body fat and helps lower cancer risk. 6. Even better for my outside. Bikinis, midriffs, minis? No problem!                 5. De-stresses. Who needs therapy? Once those endorphins kick in …                     4. A problem solver. Usually by Mile 3 I can figure out solutions to what’s bugging me.                                                                                                                                              3. Good example. My kids have learned the importance of staying active and healthy.                                                                                                                                               2. I can “pig out”. Each mile of running burns about 100 calories, so after a 10-miler I can have a couple of slices of pizza and a hot fudge sundae, hold the guilt, please.                                                                                                                                            1. I can fly! When both feet leave the ground, it’s the closest thing to flying.