"I will only run when chased."

This is a phrase my friend, Digger, is famous for using every time I mention to him my love of running. If you're a runner, you understand why people run. You don't even have to run far to understand. If you're not, it looks like the hugest undertaking in the world.

But here's the thing: everyone starts somewhere. And for some, once they do, they just can't stop. It's in their blood for good. I started running when I was 10. Sure, I wasn't consistent over the years, but it's what I always go back to. In the subsequent years, it's been my constant companion. One day, one time, everything just clicked. It didn't feel like a high for me, as it is for some - runner's high, they call it.

For me, I just realized that running could take me to a place of stillness and calm, all the while my heart was racing and I was burning more calories than I knew what to do with. My problems melted away, my stress was non-existent and all felt right with the world.

I told Shelane the other night, as we ran along Chicago's lakefront with the hundreds of other runners out there, that the reason I love running is because anyone can do it. You don't have to be anything or anyone or in any shape to just start putting one foot in front of the other. I like that no matter where I am in my life, no matter what shape my body is in, all it takes is the will and the ability to put one foot in front of the other. Even if you have to walk in the beginning, there is nothing stopping you.

Honestly? If you're not running, and you've always been curious, what's really stopping you?

The good, kind folks at Nike reached out to me yesterday, after reading that I was running, and asked if I wouldn't consider running in the upcoming Nike Human Race 10K. And because I am a sentimental sort, and because the whole concept frickin' rocks, I let them know that they could count on me to participate. After some time spent exploring the Nike Plus site, I asked Nike if they wouldn't consider sweetening the deal and getting everyone over here involved.

And so today, we've got the Lose The Buddha challenge.

The challenge is simple: go run. If you've never run a race before, let alone a 10K, no one expects you to do so in a month. But if you've ever been curious about what it takes to run, now is your chance! Sign up for a profile (it's free) and then check out the Training programs under "My runs." Decide what's a goal you can stick with for this month, write 'em down, join the LTB Challenge and send me your goals. That's all there is to it!

FIVE PEOPLE who complete, or come as near as complete as possible, their goals for the month will win a Nike+SportBand and a surprise gift from me.

Really. What's stopping you?

Posted by Erin at 11:19 AM | filed under: Competition