Today's 3 miler brought back a nagging right hip/lower back pain that has been bothering me for the last couple of weeks. All consistent runners at some point will face lingering "running" injuries. I am no different. I have battled shin splints, sprained ankles, tendinitis, and just overall soreness. People who do not run constantly tell me that they cannot run due to their knees or something else and that I am heading for continual problems as I grow older.
Want to know something? It is completely worth it. The alternative for me is high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart issues, and on and on. I have family members who have had numerous health issues due to obesity. I would be facing the same conditions were it not for running.
Running keeps me interested in exercise and eating healthy. Running is not for everyone, but it is cheap, relatively easy, and one of the best ways to exercise. For me, it is a chance to challenge myself to push past obstacles and it gives me ample opportunity for prayer and reflection. I have a group of friends that challenge me to keep up with them and encourage me during long runs.
So, why do I run? I love it. And because I love it, I am a better, healthier, more balanced person. I weigh a full 50 pounds less than I did seven years ago and live a completely different lifestyle. I am watching season 8 of NBC's "The Biggest Loser" as I type this post. I know that without running, I might end up wanting to be on this show.
Yes, I will gladly deal with lingering pains and the long term effects of continual wear and tear to beat heart disease and other obesity related illnesses. I will run again tomorrow and visit the chiropractor on Thursday to see if we can fix my hip.
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Great blog. And running is cheap as long as you don't get hurt. My trips to the orthopaedic doc are $50 a pop and so is physical therapy, to which I'm going twice a week for three weeks. A diagnosis that doesn't involve giving up running? PRICELESS!!
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