Why Do You Run?

I get this question a lot.  I also get the blank stares and looks of disbelief when I tell people that I am a five-time marathoner.  I get it, I am a full-figured runner and I certainly don’t look like a typical marathoner.  It is what it is.  “But *why* do you run?”  There are a million reasons.

I run to stay sane. I’ve talked myself down from many ledges during a good run.
I run to stay healthy. My doctor tells me that I have the heart and the lungs of a marathoner, but we still need to work on my weight (PS – that’s not “fat shaming”, there is no such thing – my doctors care about my health and my weight is a health issue).
I run to enjoy time with my friends. We often solve all the world’s problems on a run.
I run to spend time with my hubby, Billy. I think this is how we have stayed married for almost 18 years.
I run to deal with life. Life is hard. Sometimes I need help.
I run to find a sense of accomplishment. Sometimes, I feel like I am a gerbil on a spinning wheel for work and life, but a completed run (of any distance) gives me a sense of completion.
I run to help people. Like the Esophageal Cancer Awareness Association and the DeGregorio Family Foundation.  I’m not rich but I can help fundraise through my running.
I run because I love it. It’s the only exercise that has ever stuck with me.
I run because I can do it anywhere. Have you ever run next to the ocean in Grand Cayman as the sun is rising? I have.

Life has been hard these days. It’s been a very rough month. But it’s a new week, so we are going to get back on track with running, fundraising and posting.

Thank you for your support!!  Below are our donation links.  Since I have a bigger network than Billy, I would ask that if you are going to donate to see which of us needs the money more and donate there.  It’s all the same cause and will help us to keep our minimum.

Shannon:  https://www.crowdrise.com/the-degregorio-family-foundation-nyc-2017/fundraiser/shannondowney3

Billy:  https://www.crowdrise.com/the-degregorio-family-foundation-nyc-2017/fundraiser/billyhutchinson