Author: JACQUELYN KOMEN
Why do I run?
Past
Identity. Everyone has a story. It tells your identity and how you came to be the person you are now. I ran because of the amazing people I was surrounded by. I ran because the passion they had for the sport was undeniably evident and I not only wanted to be around it, but I wanted to create. I created an identity for myself throughout high school as being a runner, and I’ve never looked back.
Present
Balance. Just thinking about running makes me smile. I run because running creates an indescribable balance and calmness in my life. I love to think of each run as a spontaneously unpredictable adventure where I am allowed to let out anger, completely relax, catch up with friends, experience new cities, and ultimately create at least one challenge for my day. Running gets easier, but it’s not easy. If I can lace up my shoes and get out the door, I have full confidence my day will be better than when I left.
Ultimately I run because it’s my way of life. It gives me a schedule, makes me productive, happy and comfortable with who I am. I run because it changes my day from feeling ordinary and potentially stressful, to feeling a sense of motivation that’s driven by accomplishment. I run because it is the one thing in my life that consistently encourages me to be a better person.
Future
Memories. Looking back so far through my 21 years of life, the relationships and memories that this sport has created for me are invaluable to the creation of my life story. While I don’t know where my life will take me, I do know the things I want to take with me throughout my life. My book, like everyone else’s, is still being written and I know it won’t stop until I stop running.
