Reasons to Run 13.1

I've been looking for another half marathon to do this fall and my brother came across the Charleston 13.1. It starts and ends at Middleton Plantation, which is about15 minutes from me. We are currently planning on doing it. I'm excited but also a little worried because it's a trail run, which to me, are more difficult than road races. But we'll see. I'm excited anyway.

While I was looking for a fun half to do, I came across this article about reasons to go the distance. I love the last one:

13.1. It's there.

"Runners are explorers at the end of the day. As soon as we conquer one running goal, it's almost inevitable that we'll look toward the next one. Once you've logged a 5K, a 10K, and/or a 12K, it's almost inevitable the half marathon will beckon you to the starting line. Then, it may very well be on to the marathon." --active.com

1. So I started to think about why I plan on running 13.1, or really, why I even run at all. Here are some reasons that came to mind...
2. It's me time. No one else. Just me and the road. I can go as long or as short as I want and I don't have to answer to anyone while I'm out there.
3. It's a destresser. When I don't run for more than a couple days I feel anxious. I'm more irritable when I can't get out and run off my thoughts, frustrations, whatever.
4. It keeps me in shape. Self explanatory.
5. It's always there. I don't need a gym or any fancy equipment. I just put on my shoes and head outside. Simple.
6. I love the running community. Runners just get runners. We speak the same language. When we see another runner on the road, we smile and nod, wave, maybe even high five. If they're struggling we might pat their back because we've had days like that. We've been there. And don't get me started about race days. The positive and exciting energy at the starting line of a race is like nothing else.

There are zillion other reasons why I run and why I love it. But maybe I'm just crazy.