No matter where you are in your relationship with running, there are plenty of reasons why we love running. It gets us outside; it gets us motivated and moving. It gets us around people with a shared interest, and introduces us to folks we might never meet otherwise. Running takes us places, in all sorts of ways. It pushes us to seek personal bests, and to generally “be” better.
Just in time for Valentine’s day, was asked our RunCharlotte Ambassadors what they love about running, too!
Sean Pedernales @spedernales
I love running because it allows me to explore my environment in an exciting, positive way
Jessica Carranti @jessica_carranti
I love running because it gives me a sense of peace and accomplishment.
Chad Champion @chadwellchampion
In addition to improving my physical/mental health and the opportunity to take on new challenges, I love running for its community and providing me with the wonderful friendships I have today.
Vanessa Falbo @runninglife_atmyownpace
I LOVE running because it improves my mental health, helps me escape from the pressures of everyday life and for the many friends in the running community I have made along the way that actually “get me”. For that, I am thankful
Lyndsay Bonk @bonkgirl_runs
I love the community it brings. I love the mental solitude it provides. I love that it’s me against me, and if I want it bad enough only I must do the work to achieve that.
Bekah Eljoundi @runcoachbekah
I love running because it improves my mental health while also testing my limits.
Jeniece Jamison @jayjeanius
I love knowing that I can push myself and reach new heights. Plus I love the running community.
Tia Smith @tiasmith_tri
I love running because running allows me to feel accomplished, healthy, independent, strong, and ALIVE.
Deanna Nichole @deannanichole78
I love how Running connects me to the community. When I’m running solo it’s me time to think and celebrate what my body can do.
Lindsay McClelland @lovinglifeontherun
It keeps me connected to my community and my own personal goals. I love being able to have something to work toward that’s just mine, but also sharing it with other people from all walks of life!
Josh Rhodes @cruisinmountainrhodes
I love it because it directly correlates with how mentally tough you are. The further you run, the more mentally tough you are. And the more mentally tough you are, the further you can run
Siobhan Havlik @sio83
I love running because of the community, the mental health benefits, and because I can literally do it anywhere. I love that it challenges me physically and mentally and that it gives me something to always strive to get better at.
Alex Nikoukary @anikoukary3
I love running because it allows you to make friends on your journey to achieving your goals. I also love helping others achieve their own personal goals through hosting group runs throughout the community!
Brooke Shepard @runnerbnc21
I love running because of how I feel after the run, refreshed, grateful, and challenged. Also I’ve met so many great people in the running community, the social aspect is amazing and also helps with accountability!
Anthony Cortina @aj2cortina
I love running primarily because it has connected me with a great, supportive community! I also love that it helps my mental health and gives me personal goals that I can push towards!
Meg Taylor @megctaylor7
For me, running is a good break from everything else. It’s a great time to be social, or to have some “me time.” I also enjoy the feeling of accomplishment o harder days.
Kerri Vardon @kerbear821
I love rucking because it’s essentially active resistance training. I can build strength and get a good cardio workout all at once.”
Tracy Dean @tracy_dean76
I love running because it helps me with stress and anxiety. It keeps me wanting more. The adrenal rush I get gives me energy to push through any task that is given to me.
Sandy Johnson @dagr8sandarina
I love the runner’s high!
Philip Sanford @thephilsanford
I love running because I’m good at it and it’s a great escape. Plus, I’ve met so many friends running, including my wife!
Oscar @wonderfuloz
I love running because of how freeing it feels, it’s my way to meditate and to also let out some stress.
Mike Cooke @cltnativeagain
I love running because it reminds me that I have the capability to do things I used to think were impossible. Whatever “hard” things I’m going through don’t seem so bad when you remind yourself you willingly run for hours at a time, when once upon a time you couldn’t do a mile.