What first motivated you to start running? The motivations to make us lace up our running shoes for the first time are very varied. Running Travels asked our Twitter community on Sunday night, and here are some of our favourite replies!
Sometimes, we want to prove others wrong, and it ends up changing the course of our lives.
A bet with a friend, in a pub in 1978 and I’ve never looked back! #ukrunchat
— William Andrews (@BillAndrews57) March 8, 2020
Sometimes we’re motivated by health reasons.
I started running because I’d quit the gym & didn’t want to get fat. It took a while but eventually I fell in love with it #UKRunChat
— Alia Pike (@AliaPikeNTC) March 8, 2020
Or even a complete lifestyle change to be more active.
Couch to 5k was my start. But the motivation was being out of breath climbing the stairs. Really overweight got me into the gym and once I shed a bit I wanted to run. The mental health boost made running a no brainer as such.
— Sam Mcilwaine (@McilwaineSamuel) March 8, 2020
At first, it was just to lose weight (it did work) but that didn’t make me stick at it. When I started again 7 years later, it was because I wanted a change of lifestyle. Subtle difference, but I haven’t ever stopped running since #ukrunchat
— Miles with Michelle (@mileswithshell) March 8, 2020
Running has helped some of us return from injury or illness
Ruptured my Achilles & wanted to come back stronger. Moved from cycling to running & haven’t looked back. Love the challenge of running further, exploring the English countryside. Love how you can run anywhere by taking a small amount of kit when traveling on holiday or work.
— Martin Elcoate (@MElcoate) March 8, 2020
Mine started after recovering from a stroke at 41 and being inspired by @KTMAndy to take up park run. 15 mths in I am 4 weeks away from attempting a marathon. Running community is amazing
— The Phoenix Runner (@ThePhoenixHub) March 8, 2020
Sometimes we even defy the medical experts.
Used 2 run ages ago then stopped. Had knee surgery. Went through depression for various reasons. Decided needed 2 get fit again so restarted running. Doc said wouldn’t run long distances again. Done 1st mara & 1st ultra since. Running helps my physical & mental health #ukrunchat
— Peter🏃🏻♂️🏁🏅 (@Run_Just_Run) March 8, 2020
Sometimes, a friend suggests we try something new.
I was suffering with severe post natal depression and a friend mentioned @NHSuk couch25k podcast. Within 2/3 weeks I was hooked. It changed my life and I’ve never looked back
— Carolina Mountford (@CarolinaMountfo) March 8, 2020
Some of us take up running to make new friends
Had a new baby + wanted 2 find a way to socialise and get back some fitness. My friend recommended her run club + looked like she was having an amazing time.Couldnt make times of the run club but tried a parkrun out + been hooked ever since. (I did eventually join the run club)
— Serena (@sebeauxx) March 8, 2020
Sometimes we run to inspire others
My son developed a blood disease when he was born. There was a chance he couldn’t recover and wouldn’t be able to play any contact sports so I took up running and joined race days to hopefully inspire him to take up the sport. So far it’s working. pic.twitter.com/5wxWgYGRtX
— stephen wallwork (@Bathtileplaster) March 8, 2020
Mostly, we find running helps us to feel better.
For my mental and physical wellbeing. Best thing I’ve ever done https://t.co/Y4C64cVQnR
— David Jukes (@TeessideMonk) March 8, 2020
Why do you run? Join in with the chat over on our Twitter channel.
