"For me, outdoor exercise is simply an escape hatch. My running shoes are a trap door I can sink my feet into whenever life gets too chaotic, which it consistently does.

Physical activity, particularly while breathing in fresh air, helps me put it all in perspective.There is something in the monotony of repeated movement that helps me both physically and mentally reset.

Getting my heart rate up eventually makes me feel good — after it's made me feel worse.

Somehow, though, even the feeling worse part is good. It's like the physical exertion matches the level of work demanded of me in life. When I can actually match that imagined pace, even during an activity that seems totally unrelated, it makes me feel like I'm working through something. I feel that sense of competency, and it brings me back into myself, one step at a time."

- Alli H.
Palmer, Alaska USA

Via When Life Gets Too Demanding, the Outdoors is an Escape Hatch

"The thing about running that nobody tells you is that training for a race as long as a half-marathon can be quite boring. I logged the miles because I was "supposed to," and looked forward to race day because it meant I wouldn't have to run anymore. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy running, because it helps me clear my head and gives me a little high. But my approach to running is kind of like that famous quote, "I hate writing, I love having written." In other words, I hate actually slogging through a run, but I love how it feels to finish a run."

- Cory S. 

Via I Run Races for the Insta & There's Nothing Wrong With That

"During my 20s and early 30s, I realized how running made me feel better about myself and helped develop my self-confidence. I signed up for a multitude of races ranging from 5ks to marathons. With the completion of each race and the training that went along with it, I felt stronger physically and mentally. Especially after finishing my first marathon – the Marine Corps – I felt like I could do anything! 

Running took on a whole new meaning after I had my son and daughter.  I NEEDED to get out and run. I didn’t want to become that mom who lost herself completely, doing nothing for herself after having children. Let’s face it that’s not good for anyone! Running had become an important part of my life and it had to continue.  

It’s great that my children have seen how important running is to me. They know it’s a part of my routine and ask, “When are you going for your run?”  The best is when I get back from a run and they ask, “So how was your run mom?”  

As I’m in my early 40’s, running has taken on another meaning. Life has become so busy with balancing family and work. I need to get out and run to give me the space to think without any distractions. It’s during my run that I think the most clearly, creatively and get a pulse on how I’m really doing. I always finish feeling mentally refreshed. 

This check in with myself has helped tremendously over the last several years as I have cared for and grieved the loss of my dad, my mom and one of my best friends due to cancer. Watching my loved ones become weaker and weaker to the point that just getting up to brush their teeth was a herculean effort, has also made me appreciate every time I can get out for a run.  I run with a sense of gratitude; I have the strength and health to do it.  
I’m sure the reasons why I run will change again but one thing is for certain - I’ll keep running as long as I can!"

- Christie Y.

Via Find Your Inner Pace

"Without exercise, I feel as though I don't have an outlet to release the stress and anxiety. The spin classes were the most helpful because I felt like I was able to zone out and focus my energy just on pedaling one foot in front of the other. I was able to find clarity."

- Kimberly W., 25

Read more about Kimberly's struggles with mobility after two motor vehicle accidents.

"It might seem antithetical to give myself one more thing to do [when planning a wedding]. But I now know that when I’m juggling a lot, squeezing in a workout is one of the best things I can do for myself. It gives my brain a time-out, drains away some of that pointless panic energy, and lets me come back to the world with fresh eyes and the wherewithal to stop and look around. Sure, there’s a lot to be stressed out about right now. And there’s plenty to be thrilled and joyful over. I can’t eradicate the bad entirely. But I can feel them both."

- Kelsey M.
Via Refinery 29

"There are an endless number of reasons why I swim. Here are just a few of them.

It reminds me that anything worth having requires hard work.

Reminds me to continually expand my horizons.

A good workout clears the mind.

It’s where I go to meditate.

I swim because there is a chance to be extraordinary.

That is why I swim."

- Olivier P-L
Victoria, British Columbia Canada

"Why do I love it? For as many reasons as there are races. I love the clear-headed exhaustion that follows a hard run – body spent but mind miraculously clearer than the foggy-headed state I started in. I especially love the cake that follows those cross-country races. I love that running as much as I do means I can eat whatever I want – but that I don’t, because I won’t run as well if I eat nothing but cake.

I love the way runners always have excuses lined up in advance: I’m tired, I’ve not rested enough, I did a really long run yesterday, my hayfever is kicking in, I didn’t eat breakfast, my hamstring is ever so tight. Get out of jail free card thus waved, a bad race is explained, a good one is even better.
I love running because it is the most sociable of sports – anyone can do it, there are no barriers to entry, running clubs (particularly mine) are friendly and fun. Everyone has a tale to tell, a race story to unfold, advice to give. And because it is the most solitary. It’s your PB, you run for yourself, you run against yourself.
I love running at night, when the tunnel vision effect of seeing only the ground under your feet makes you feel like you are flying, even at a sedate pace. I love running across the common at twilight, when the rabbits dart out. I love being the mad person who runs in the midday sun in the hottest of heatwaves in the radiating heat of the tarmac road."

"I love that the human body is capable of such astonishing adaptations, that it can be pushed and pushed and still keep giving."

- Kate C.
Via Why I Love...Running

“Road cycling is kind of like therapy for me, I relax and I have the time to think about a lot of stuff. It makes me feel really good."

- Karol-Ann C.

"Running has been my faith, my crutch, my drug of choice, and besides my lovely wife, my best friend. It has opened many doors in my life of 59 years. It clears my mind, makes me feel good, provides a ‘good’ pain, running has challenged and rewarded me so much. I truly believe my running has affected my family in a positive way. It gives me great joy to see our children and grandchildren running- that’s remains my biggest reward and satisfaction- watching the grandchildren continue the ‘Family Tradition.’"

- Joe M., 59
Read more about how running is an integral part of Joe's Life