Discovering Who You Are

Life's challenges are not supposed to paralyze you, they're supposed to help you discover who you are: - Bernice Johnson Reagon

Running a marathon or half marathon is a daunting task to most people. So why are so many taking up the challenge? If you ask a room full of people that question you'll likely get a roomful of answers. In this post (and in a few that follow this) I'd like to answer the question "Why do you keep doing it? What makes someone join a group like this one year after year; committing to 28 weeks of early morning Saturdays to run or walk miles and miles.

For me the answer lies in the quote above. Completing a marathon was a challenge I had often thought of and in 2008 I finally did it. I honestly thought it was a one and done thing. It wasn't. I was addicted; addicted to running but more so to the community. Whether I run for 1 mile or 10 miles with my friends I learn something new about them or me or both.

For most of 40+ years I was a stay-off-to-the-side people watcher. Crowds never appealed to me and social events were a struggle, especially if I didn't know anyone or only few in the group. Running (and walking) with a group has brought me out of my shell a bit. I'm still a dork but one that has something to contribute to the group afterall. Strangers become friends in a matter of weeks when we run or walk together. I discovered I'm not really a loner I was just playing one because I didn't know any better.

I also have learned that I like running. After years of convincing myself I hated it; that it would be too hard; that unless it involved team sports I couldn't do it... I am a runner. And it doesn't matter how fast (or not) I am.

Stay tuned to read the thoughts of other Phillyfitters.