What's your why?

Do you ever take a moment to think about what really gets you laced up and out the door, ready to clock up some more miles when perhaps its easier not to? Most runners love the health perks, but when it comes down to it, there’s usually a deeper (and possibly a little quirkier) reason that drives us to run. That’s your "why."

I was listening to a favourite podcast series on a run and was Inspired by Aoife Cleary’s story on the *No Finish Line* podcast episode “Let Your Inner Child Run,” On this she discussed her own why, and encouraged everyone to start thinking about their own why. If still have to really think that through properly, but what I do know is that a part of it, for me, is about delayed gratification (the Type A in me loves a long-term challenge) and it is also for me, about that unspoken 'because I can', where when you get older and reflect on the privileges you have that you realise being able to run and use it to make you a better person, is such a blessing. Plus, I’m just a tiny bit nicer to be around post-run—a fact my family will back up with my moods before, and after.

Why having a "why" actually matters

A strong "why" is more than a motivator; I think it’s your personal secret weapon. When it’s cold, when your legs feel like bricks, or when the sofa is calling louder than a long run, your "why" is the thing that pushes you out the door. According to the American Psychological Association, having purpose-driven goals can do wonders for our motivation and happiness—not to mention our running performance.

Discovering your unique "why" (and why it’s brilliantly yours)

Your "why" isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s as unique as your running playlist, which if you have seen some of mine you'd realise that it's got a fair few random ones in their . Maybe it’s about health or happiness, or maybe you just run for the chance to get some peace from the world. For some of us, it’s as simple as “I run because I can,” or “I run to avoid growling at my colleagues before 9 am.” For others - performance means personal power!!!

The "Why" for different runners

We all bring our own flavour of "why" to running, but there are common threads across different types of runners:

Elite Runners: These super humans often chase perfection, glory, and the thrill of representing their country. Eliud Kipchoge, 🐐 in the marathon, has a "why" that’s equal parts relentless pursuit of excellence and inspiring the rest of us mere mortals to push our limits. #nohumanislimited

Everyday Runners: For most of us mere mortals, the "why" is usually a blend of sanity-saving and fitness-boosting. Running keeps stress levels in check, boosts mood, and lets us feel like we’re doing something good for ourselves—even if a coffee and a pastry are inhaled straight after.

Beginner Runners: The "why" for beginners is often simple: get fit, lose weight, or just feel a little more alive. There’s something magical about realising, “I can actually do this!”

Rekindling your "why" when the spark fades

If your motivation has run off somewhere, it might be time to dig back into your "why." Here are a few ways to try and rekindle the flame:

Reflect: Remember why you started. Was it to feel healthier? To clear your mind? Or just to get out of the house and have a minute to yourself?

Write It down: Putting your "why" in words can help bring it into focus. Make a note in your journal, your phone, your fridge door, wherever. Just seeing it in writing can be enough to keep you going.

Visualise Success: If you're race focussed, imagine yourself crossing a finish line at pace, hitting that PB, or tackling that hill without feeling like your lungs are on strike.

Share the journey: Running with others can be a game changer. Find a friend, join a local club, or challenge yourself by signing up for a race and get the race day buzz.

Embrace your evolving "why"

The beautiful thing about running is that your "why" can evolve right along with you. What started as a fitness goal ,might morph into a way of clearing your mind or recharging after a long day. What started as a pastime may be a passion to fuel your perfectionism. And that’s the beauty—running can be whatever you need it to be, whenever you need it.

So, what’s your "why" right now? What makes you lace up, even when the duvet is threatening to win the argument? Take a moment to reconnect with it, and use it to fuel you through the next mile. month or milestone!

References:

* American Psychological Association. (n.d.). The Power of Goals.

* No Finish Line Podcast. (n.d.). Let Your Inner Child Run. [Listen here](https://irepod.com/podcast/no-finish-line/aoife-cleary-let-your-inner-child-run ).