Hi reader, my name is Luke and I love running. I believe running checks all the boxes of a great hobby and sport, and that it can also be fun and rewarding in many different ways.

I run a lot and often, and have been running competitively for about 3 years now as a member of the ERHS track and cross country varsity squads. Easily one of my favorite things in the whole world is trail running, and it’s often on these trail runs where I wonder what my life would be like had I not begun running.

When people learn these things about me, they tend to ask, “Why running bro?” and “Why do you subject yourself to pain and mental struggle in the beating sun or blistering winds day after day?”. They make a good point, thinking of it like that can easily make someone think “Well his hobby sucks.” But what makes me truly sad is when people say things like “Oh I could never get into running, it’s too hard.”

Running might not be everyone’s thing, but I believe it can become something more than people just do to get fit while hating every second of it.

Although I love running now, I didn’t always. During COVID my mom would drag me out of the house to run a 1-2 miles around the block. However, I began to do it more often, and after breaking my collarbone in 8th grade, I felt like I just wanted to run. I got really into it after recovering and never stopped till this day.

However one day I was asked by a mentor of mine to fill in the blank, “I run because…”. I found myself unable to give a strong and decisive answer at first, like honestly how had running become fun? I was soon able to answer, and after talking with many other runners in the past few years both casual and professional, I believe I’ve come up with some epic motives.

Firstly, you have to remember that it may kinda suck at first, but the more you get out there and push yourself, the easier it will feel. Your body will adapt and your lungs will get stronger! Running also carries a very freeing feeling, you’re able to break away from the hustle and bustle of life for a little while getting in some great exercise.

“Running helps ease your mind after a long day of school, it gives you a breather and a break from all the things happening in life,” said ERHS cross country and track runner Sage Martin.

The time allows you to think about lots of things and is a great mental and physical refresher.

“As a busy Mom, it allows me a chance to think about things OR not to think about anything,” said my mom who is an avid runner, “It’s a chance to be outside, pray, and be grateful.”

I also believe lots of people will start to enjoy running when they realize all the cool places it can take you.

I feel running really immerses you in an environment, thus running through a city, town, countryside, beach, or forest becomes a whole new experience. It is often fun to explore while running as well, finding new trails and streets in places you thought you knew like the back of your hand.

Now trust me, even with these ideas, it’s still hard to get out for a run sometimes, but finding some good running buddies is what I believe can turn dread into excitement! Running with people means you can share your experiences, struggles, and some good conversations and laughs with one another. Keeping you accountable is also something running buddies can do for each other, and from personal experience, that accountability can become the base of a great bond.

Finally, the reason I believe is most important is finding who or what you are running for.

Asking yourself this can set your sights on a goal, and when things get tough, remembering that goal makes you want to push on and keep going. That’s when you can really start to enjoy the run because you know you aren’t running aimlessly, but instead with a definitive purpose of your choosing. For me, I run to give glory to God, as I believe he has given me everything I have and he has given me the healthy body I use to run.

You may never love running, and some still may never like it at all. But I am hopeful that one of these ideas may open your eyes to a whole new side of the sport.