One of the Reasons

It comes up from time to time... I see it in articles, read it in Facebook posts from different organizations and businesses that I 'like', get asked by people I know (when they aren't shaking their head at me, clearly indicating doubts about my sanity)...

"Why do you run?"

There are so many reasons, but today I read the perfect explanation for one of the most important one (or four) for me.

"Running is also one of the most efficient ways to burn calories. You burn four times as many net calories - that is, the total calories burned minus the calories you'd expend at rest - per hour than walking. And exercise of any sort gives you more energy, lifts the mood, and relieves stress."

- Yishane Lee, Introduction, The Athlete's Palate Cookbook

So the short answer: I run because I love to eat... And I love to eat junk. This is something that I'm working on, but until I remedy my sugar/cake/bread/tortilla cravings, I run.... And now that my knee is no longer screaming at me, I really will run.