Here's an article I found in one of my running newsletters. It's so good, I just had to share. I hope that by reading it, maybe you can get a glimpse into why *I* run, because well, it's almost exactly why the author, Yvonne LeBel, runs.

I'm a recreational runner, have been for 15 years now and likely always will be. I run for fun - it makes me feel happy. I run for fitness - my doctor is always impressed with my blood pressure, resting heart rate and cholesterol levels. I run to get away from it all - the kids, the demands, and the stresses that seem to be everywhere I turn in this busy, crazy world. I run to think - some of my very best decisions are made while running: often I even save things up to think about on my run. I run for the pure delight of the times when my body feels like a perfectly tuned machine, moving through space effortlessly and joyously, no friction, stress or tension anywhere.

I don't run everyday. I don't have time. Sometimes I get out every other day but if I manage three days a week, I'll be satisfied.

Often, on early weekend mornings when there is little traffic, I run over a long bridge spanning a river. I used to be afraid of the height but the tranquil beauty of the river and valley below motivated me to overcome the fear.

When I have a friend to go out with, we run on the trails through a nearby forest. The shaded paths offer a welcome escape from the hot summer sun. It's sad that it could be unsafe for a woman to run there alone; the peaceful solitude invites quiet reflection. Once we rounded a corner and a deer stood not thirty feet from us. It did not bolt immediately but stared at us curiously for ten seconds or so, as though pondering these strange two legged creatures. Then, almost leisurely, it turned and retreated into the security of its wooded home.

Most often, I run through neighbourhoods. Sometimes on early spring and summer mornings, I notice little trikes, bikes, and wagons on the driveways and fondly remember the days when my home had that young family look and feel to it. I've looked up into a tree and have seen a proud cardinal perched as though waiting just for me. Depending on whether I'm at the beginning or the end of my run, I either dodge or run through someone's sprinkler.

In the winter, I peek from the darkness into brightly lit, inviting looking homes and wonder who lives there and if they are happy. I see bright, colourful Christmas lights inside and out and feel their warm wishes.

Oh yes, I'm happy when I run. None of that fatlek stuf for me - my definition of a fartlek (change the 'k' to a 't') is what you do once you've checked to make sure no one is behind you and you just can't hold it any longer.

I'm not very fast, no not very fast at all - 10 minute miles are about as fast as I go. As a matter of fact, I recently almost had the distinct (dis)honour of being the very last runner at the Niagara Blossom 10K race. It hadn't been my best winter for getting out on a regular basis and a foot problem was still nagging. I must admit that for a while I was feeling rather embarrassed. But after putting things into perspective by reminding myself that my goals for the race had been to enjoy the scenery of the Niagara Gorge, the scent of the blossoms, and to finish, I managed to relax and achieve all three. And I did not come in last after all! I may not be fast, but I am steady, and that endurance allowed me the honour of placing third last in that race!

Recently at a race I spoke to a "head of the pack runner" who expressed surprise at a runner he had seen on the course wearing a pulse monitor. "Racing is not about running within your comfort zone," he said. "Why bother?" Well perhaps that expressed his feelings about racing but obviously not those of the man wearing the monitor. For all we know that person may have been on a cardiac rehabilitation program. Running within his comfort zone could have meant life or death to him.

The point is - who knows, and really, what does it matter? Each runner has his own reasons for entering a race - whether it be to win, better a previous time, or simply enjoy the camaraderie of a diverse group of people sharing a passion.

Elite and recreational runners alike deserve admiration for their dedication and hard work in pursuing their goals.

How wonderful that running has something to offer everyone. I say let us celebrate our sport in whatever fashion we choose and let us respect eachother for it!