Recently, I wrote a piece about the ability of athletics to empower women and girls. Running a marathon is no exception.
Running, especially marathon running, is more than just a foot race. Finishing a marathon is a state of mind that says anything is possible.
Last weekend, I had the amazing opportunity to run in the New York City Marathon, a race often described as being second only to the Olympics in terms of excitement and prestige. However, the hype surrounding the race did not push me across the finish line (although it didn’t hurt), but it was the strength, enthusiasm, dedication and fearlessness of other female marathoners from all corners of the world.
So go ahead and ask yourself, “Why do I run?”
Yinka, Sierra Leone & USA
“I run because I can.”
Team Takbo, Philippines
“I run because I can.” ~ Ariene
“I run because I am strong.” ~ Mia
“I run for sanity.”
Lina, Dominican Republic
“I run for ice cream…seriously.”
Rose, Jill & Cristina, USA
“We run because we are strong and great friends.”
Renee, The Netherlands
“I run because I have the strength to do so.”
Crystal, USA
“I run because I am a busy mom.”
Mette, The Netherlands
“I run because I ROCK! Yeh!”
Mantza & Andreina, Venezuela
“I run because I can and I will.”
“Yo corro porque soy awesome!”
Cover image courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons
3 Responses
I love this! I agree–running makes me feel that I’ve achieved something–that if I focus and move with intensity and passion, that I could do anything. I run because it sets me free!
YES!!!!! Oh so amazing! You girls totally rock! Well done!
“running is more than just a foot race”: so true!! I did the Berlin Marathon and I know now: the spirit of marathon exists!