So let me answer your question before you ask it: "Why on earth would you pay money to run when you don't even like it?"
Good question. And here are my reasons:
1. Most obviously, running is good for you, blah blah blah. Ok. Moving on.
2. Most importantly to me, running is one huge evidence of a successful spinal fusion. Before my surgery, I couldn't even run a whole mile. My spine was compressing my lungs, which made breathing while running very difficult. After surgery my breathing improved, and so did my running. It took lots of running to work up to a 5k, and even more for the 10k. But every mile that I run is a reminder of the blessing it is to be able to run. Some people are stuck in wheelchairs for the rest of their lives. Some are too sick to run. If my scoliosis hadn't been treated, maybe I wouldn't even be able to walk, much less run. But I have the ability, so I do.
3. Running is hard. I love to choose the hard task. I don't always love doing it, but I love the feeling when it's accomplished. Running does not come easy for me like it does for most of my friends. In fact, I thought I was going to throw up after my last 5k. But I had set my mind on running the entire thing. My spine is still not completely straight, so I will never have full lung function. So I'm glad running is difficult. It gives me an opportunity to take a challenge. Anyone can do the easy thing. And "easy" or "hard" is different for every person. But I will never become better-- at what I do, or just as a person in general-- if I don't stretch myself and choose the hard.
4. Running is fun. I still don't love it. But it can be fun! There are so many types of 5k's and 10k's that make it enjoyable, especially to do with friends. So why not make the hard task fun?
I strongly believe that if I had not experienced a spinal fusion, I probably would not have found an outlet in running. But who knows? I do know that God has given me the ability (not necessarily talent, but the ability!) to run, and I don't want to waste it. Every mile-- one step at a time-- is a reminder of God's grace in my life.
