Hey bike girl try some greenlaning at some point if you haven't already

I used to swim a lot in University, but the standard and over crowding of the pools in my area are a real turn off. Running was the best option for me- and now I've signed myself up for a 10k I am really looking forward to training and improving.

I have also just finished Haruki Murakami's 'What I talk about when I talk about running'. Inspirational.

I love to get out running I find it the best way to beat stress  & keep my weight in check .  You cant beat a Morning run  Christmas Morning run was fun And i even got a ''Merry Christmas '' from a fellow Runner  starting to clock the miles again after a few years break . keep on running        

Hey bikergirl, reckon you hit the bullseye again. Getting muddy / wet through the rain ... just experiencing the natural world, ignoring a little bit of discomfort it will cause ... splashing in the puddles with wet shoes ... slipping and planting in the mud from time to time ... inner child pleasures.

"No way am I going out there, it's raining."

"Oh really, that's great news, I'm off for a couple hours running."

So often (not so much this time of year) at the start of a run, I think to myself, "time to get sweaty", and I have a massive grin on my face at this time. It does my mind good to feel the effects of my body working.

I feel sorry for the television watching masses, they have such impoverished experiences ....

I didn't choose running, I have always ridden bikes, ridden motorbikes (it is exercise), skied and generally kept up regular exercise. One day I thought I fancy going for a run. A few weeks later I went and from there included it in my regular exercise.

A few years later I love the peace of running on my own settling in to my pace and enjoying some quality head time. I didn't choose running but at some point it caught me.

Because running is affordable, because I can choose whether I use it as solitary or social sport, I can enjoy it at my own level, I can do it any time, it keeps me very fit, gets me out in the fresh air, I can do it practically anywhere, I can use it to explore places I have never been, I can appreciate nature more, I can use it to challenge myself, it encourages me to consider all aspects of aspects health such as diet, sleep patterns, weight, it can be a great stress reliever, the chance of injury is lower than some sports, I can do it at pretty much any age, it is an opportunity to think, listen to good music, I can be serious about it and run Marathons (4 so far!) or I can be casual about it and just go out when I feel like it. Running is my ideal sport for all these reasons and more.

I didnt choose running over other sports, Have been a very keen golfer (12 h/cap) for as many years as i can remember, and still play 3 times a week, However , Doing the job i do, Sat on your bum driving a bus, I thought I need to do more exercise, and just started running Jan 2012, Can honestly say am LOVING IT, to see the miles building up just gives you a great sense of achievement, All the very best to everyone on here, Keep on Running !!!!

Brilliant answer!

Always loved outdoor sports at school: Hockey and Netball:)

I luv it more than say Badmington or indoor sports as you'r free, especially from other people nattering on about total rubbish or other woman bleeting on about boyfriends, husbands and negative chit chat and so on.

I love going out on a day like today (as I just have) all wrapped up in a wool poloneck and rugby jumper and leggings and the parks peaceful and the snows comming down. Its a chance to put on your spikes..and I luv my purple spikes.

:) Agghhhh makes you want to weep!!!

(Or be ick)