Why do you run? If you’ve never thought about it before, ask yourself now.
Being intentional about the reason why you run is a crucial part of maintaining motivation, especially if you’re just starting your running journey. Most of us know the research-backed benefits of running, but what is going to be that thing that gets you out the door when you don’t even feel like moving?
While your reason should be unique and personal to you, here’s some inspiration from our dedicated Runner’s World+ members and social audiences on Instagram and Facebook to keep in mind when considering what your why is.
For Myself
“Running is my ‘me time.’ It is time for me to simply run, listen to music, and enjoy the outdoors. It allows me to begin each day with a sense of accomplishment, and along the way I plan my to-do list, calculate finances, and solve problems. I do my best thinking when I am running. It also keeps me focused on my health and I always have at least one half marathon or marathon to train for.”—Jill Pompi (RW+ member)
“Because it’s the only thing in my life that’s just mine.”—April Thomson
“As a mom of three littles, running is my ‘me time.’ Time to fill my own cup; time to work toward a personal goal; time to show my kids that I enjoy movement simply because it helps me be happy, healthy, and strong!”—Marlena Shaw (RW+ member)
“It’s my time—no one asking me for anything. It’s me vs. me. Love the feeling after a long run.”—Spullins JB
“Running is just for me, and I run so I can be my best self. I don’t mean physically. Sure, I love how strong my legs feel when I cross a finish line or that good burn after a long run. But my best self is found when I hit the pavement and process whatever is going on in my life. I have two young kids (ages 3 and 14 months), and I am constantly being poked, pulled, and called. When I lace up my running shoes, the stress melts away and I am a better mother because of it.”—Melissa Hofstrand (RW+ member)
“Suzanne Reisman RW+ member.”—Yuri Aguilar
“Sometimes to relax, regroup, and shake out anything bothering me… but usually to start my day off just right!”—Erin Carey Ryan
For My Health
“My health, specifically my heart.”—Kati Johnson (RW+ member)
“Published: Dec 24, 2024 9:19 AM EST.”—Gwen Jacobson (RW+ member)
“To fight bad genetics and hear my grandkids say, ‘Whoa, Grandma!’”—Michele (RW+ member)
“My asthma kept me from doing exercise for so many years. I’m running because I can finally do something I never thought possible.”—Patricia McHugh (RW+ member)
“To save my life. I am type 2 diabetic by way of having PCOS. By the time I was diagnosed with PCOS, I had developed full-blown diabetes. I run now to train for a half marathon I crazily signed up for and to get in shape for my first century ride next year. I will run and bike towards a cure.”—Stephanie Gold (RW+ member)
“I exercise and stay active so that I can be mobile and independent as long as possible as I get older. I choose running because it gives me such a great sense of accomplishment.”—Lisa Bartlett
“I run because last year I got Pulmonary embolisms in my lungs and now I want to improve my health and my lungs and spread awareness!”—Jennifer Cole
“Manage stress and support in quitting smoking.”—Aude Carlson (RW+ member)
“Keeps my AFib under control.”—Running gives me a voice
“I want to be able to walk well into my old age. I have family members who have significantly lost mobility due to their unwillingness to exercise.”—Amy Watkins (RW+ member)
“How Cold Is Too Cold to Run Outside diabetes! It works!”—Mike Shamus
For Someone Else
“I started running after witnessing my mom complete a marathon and was overcome with emotion when she finished. I began running the very next year and completed a half marathon with my mom and have been running ever since. Running does so many things for me. It’s my escape, it keeps me centered, helps me to focus, a confidence builder but more importantly allows me to follow in the footsteps of my mom and continue to honor her. I wear a shirt with a picture of her running our last race together so that she’s running with me. I love to run!”—Chantal (RW+ member)
“My daughter.”—Jesse Sturnfield (RW+ member)
“To keep my sanity. Also, I wanna show my kids if they work hard, don’t give up, and find a love for something, they can accomplish anything in life. When they’re tired, stressed, unhappy, just to channel in and get the work done. They’ve been there when I run my marathons and have shown support and encouragement, and I’ll do the same for them. My daughter joined cross country this year and wants to join again next year. My son is wanting to join as well.”—Angela Yawea
“Because my dad ran. I lost him six years ago and clearing his flat I found his medal from Reading Half Marathon in 1988. Holding it inspired me to change. I have my dad’s and my medal from the same race together.”—Stumpy Taylor
For My Mental Health
“To keep my sanity!”—Libby Meyer (RW+ member)
“It’s my therapy.”—Allie Haight
“Running is my ultimate stressbuster! As a middle-aged tech leader, husband, and father to two preteens, running generates all the right endorphins and energy to ensure I’m on top of my game—all of my games!”—Annu Kristipati (RW+ member)
“Cheaper than therapy.”—Louie J. Frucci
“Keeps my AFib under control grief. I lost my dad last year and couldn’t work out for two months. I was able to go back to working out thanks to running. Then I signed up for my first marathon. That was on the one-year anniversary of my dad’s passing. Running is my way to feel my dad close and be able to connect with him.”—Fadela (RW+ member)
“Because it has the power to mute my anxiety and self-doubt.”—Nicholas Kuiper
“Running makes me happy. It reduces my stress and anxiety and improves my mental health. It keeps my cardiovascular system strong.”—Suzanne Reisman (RW+ member)
“How to Start from Scratch With a Run/Walk Program.”—Christine Starkweather
To Feel Powerful & Free
“Because it makes me feel powerful and healthy (sometimes only once it’s over).”—Laura (RW+ member)
“To be a real-life video game character.”—Erin Fan (RW+ member)
“Feels like I’m flying. Powerful and free.”—Tenaya Hergert
“I run because I want to be healthier in my 50s than I was in my 30s! And, also, running makes me feel powerful.”—Laura (RW+ member)
“Running gives me a voice.”—Becky Westcott Capazz
“It makes me feel strong and confident, that I can handle everything else in my day.”—Rebecca Eisenbacher (RW+ member)
“To feel free, manage anxiety, accomplish increasing mileage.”—Barbara Saunders (RW+ member)
“Total freedom. Slap your shoes on and be free.”—coach_shasonta
For Connection
“Running makes me feel strong and is my way of meditating. I also love that I’ve been able to connect with people and make so many new friends through running. I enjoy seeing my fitness progression.”—Gisele Carig (RW+ member)
“It makes me feel strong and confident, that I can handle everything else in my day.”—lizpowers76
“Refreshes the spirit. BTW: I can no longer run; I train and enter races as a walker. Have made many new friends who accept me for just being there.”—Lewis Silverman
“I have many reasons. I connect with my running partners on some runs. I connect with God on others. I find a sense of accomplishment. I like to test what my body can tolerate.”—Tim Thomas (RW+ member)
“When I’m alone, I run to quiet my mind. It is meditative and rejuvenating. I also run to be social. The running community is the best.”—Andy Romanelli (RW+ member)
“Makes 77 feel young and hanging around with younger runners is a whole lot of fun. Not to mention I’ve been loving going for a run for more than 46 years.”—Barbara Ann Morrissey
Because I Love Racing
“I want to improve my 5K time.”—Courtney Danko-Searcy (RW+ member)
“The feeling I have on race day, within the first mile, that all the training is paying off.”—Mark Hopkins (RW+ member)
“My husband and I started running about six years when my son, who was about 12 at the time, had run over 25 5Ks. It took about a year until we were ready for our first 5K. We love running and training together. Running helps me at the end of a long teaching day, and it just feels so good after! We have since ran many 5Ks, some 10Ks, and two half marathons!”—Suzy Wintjen (RW+ member)
“It’s at the end of Ironman.”—Cheryl Turpin
“First, I began to improve my health, then I got hooked. Fifteen years later I am chasing my Six Star Medal.”—Jorge Mitey (RW+ member)
“It’s something I’ve always done since fifth grade. I got into racing 25 years ago. I love the challenge running gives me to constantly improve and get back out there whenever I’ve been injured or ill; and next month will one year since starting my first running streak! Most of all, I run because I love how it makes me feel. It has gotten me through the worst times in my life. Whenever I’m having a bad day, whether I’ve already gone running or not, I go running. It always calms me and makes feel better.”—Elle Escochea Grunert
So That I Can Indulge
“Because I love carbo loading.” —Bud Bjanuar
“I run so I can eat whatever I want and still be in shape!”—Christi Webb (RW+ member)
“Because it makes me feel powerful and healthy sometimes only once its over.”—Robin Bosse
“So I can drink beer!”—Joanne Gile Michaelsen
“I run so I can eat whatever I want and still be in shape.”—Chantal Englebert
“Faster than walking and I like tacos.”—Shelly Pedergnana
“I run to eat crispy pata.”—Arrin Villareal
To Get Outside
“Fitness and peace of mind. Also, a great way to explore neighborhoods and the outdoors.”—Sue Padden
“The feel of being outside with my dog. Watching him enjoy the run lets me enjoy the run.”—Stan (RW+ member)
“It’s my time with nature. It’s for me to clear my head and think.”—Assa Burton
“Running is my sanctuary. It’s where I can clear my mind, letting go of stress and finding clarity with each step. The rhythm of my feet hitting the ground is a meditative escape, helping me to focus and recharge. Physically, running keeps me in peak condition, building strength and endurance while boosting my overall health. But what I love most is being outside, feeling the fresh air, and soaking in the beauty of nature. Whether it’s a sunlit trail or a quiet street at dawn, running connects me to the world around me in a way nothing else can.”—Adam Scolatti (RW+ member)
Because I Can
“This is my ‘stock’ answer. I do because I can and I can because I do.”—Chip Kidd
“Because I’m not ready to give up yet.”—Martha Rhine (RW+ member)
“Because I was completely disabled, not able to move, stand, walk, talk, or do anything... stuck in the hospital for 13 weeks. When I was discharged and started to walk a little, I needed something to help me get some kind of life back. Running was it.”—Rob Snavely
“Because I’m 70, and not dead yet.”—Michele Glover
“Because I can. One day I won’t be able to and it’s not today.”—Mike Bravo
“Because one day I’ll be old and everything will hurt, and it’s the one thing in my life that lately makes me happy. When you’re running you forget everything. If you’re still thinking of debt, sadness, breakups, you’re not trying hard enough. Every day you have to push yourself.”—Miryam Hernandez
“Because I still can… at 73.”—Joanne Gile Michaelsen
“Michele RW+ member.”—Leslie Kitching
“Sixty-one years old. Been running since I was 15. Because a day without running is like a day without brushing your teeth.”—It keeps my cardiovascular system strong
To Prove it to Myself or Someone Else
“To prove I can. And prove my mind is more powerful than my body.”—Colton James
“Because I still can, and everyone tells me I can’t!”—Lloyd K Leverett
“To tell people I did.”—Chris S. Charlett
“I’m 55. Basketball days are over. The need to compete is still there, and even if that means competing with myself, running allows me to do that.”—Shawn Davis
Because I Hate How I Feel When I Don’t
“I don’t know, but recently I injured my knee, and I was sad I couldn’t run. Thank god, it healed itself. I think running gives me inner peace.”—Jose Murga
“Because I hate the way my brain itches when I don’t.”—Joe Baron
“Because it’s better than smacking my family upside the head from being over stimulated. [It] helps my mental health.”—heatherbrubaker19
“I don’t like it until it’s over.”—Laurie Stinson Fuller
“So that I am tolerable to my husband!”—Dimitra Zakas
“It’s either that or sending my work computer flying out the window like a frisbee on the regular.”—Ayla Amon
“A Part of Hearst Digital Media.”—Sarah Wiley
Kristen Wagner joined the Runner’s World and Bicycling team in November 2024 with a decade of magazine editorial experience. Passionate about all things wellness, Kristen enjoys Pilates, spin, and long walks with her dog, Koda.
