I've been asked many times, indeed I've asked others and myself, "why do you run? As if somehow running is different from any other sport. Maybe it is.

The marathon. It's a big word. It's a big distance. Some would say it's the oldest and still the best test of raw human endurance. The marathon, steeped in history and tradition is no longer a fringe sport. Today it lures millions of people into running shoes and physiotherapy. Doctors, lawyers, homemakers, butchers, bakers and candlestick makers. It's a big demographic now. Even young guys like myself are dropping the weekend binge for a three hour long run.

I have been a member of the Lethbridge "Runner's Soul" marathon club for three years. Last Saturday I ran my last 24 miles with the club. It was a great run. One of the those rare and beautiful times when running feels so effortless. The perfect run. Complete synergy of body mind and spirit.

As I neared 20 miles I picked up the pace, pushing it, feeling every rhythmic breath, lungs expanding, feeling every footfall and the pain now settling in my legs.

I closed my eyes and thought back over the last three years, opening the door to a rich storeroom of memories:

• My first discouraging failed attempts at running.

• The rush of excitement during my first race (I'm a runner now!)

• The gnawing fear of failure on the day of my first marathon.

• Running in -37 C, running in +40 C heat. Running in snowstorms and driving rain. 70 km/h wind. Mountain sunrises, setting the clouds on fire. Running over the coulee's golden hills in the fading summer glow.

• I thought of people, pleasant faces and post run coffee, every finish line I'd crossed, smiles and tears, victory and defeat.

• Good runs and bad runs. Dragging myself out bed at 4:45 every morning. The ritual of hand ground coffee. Or bitter Mate from the gourd. Cheerios and a banana. Rituals.

• My very first pair of shoes (Montrail Hardrocks).

• My first medal. My first trophy. My first victory. My first 100km ultra marathon. My first 100 miler.

• The feeling of complete and utter exhaustion. The purity of it all. Simply running. With purpose and direction. Ever forward. Relentless Forward Motion.

As neared 23 miles I thought of all the encouragement I had received. All the inspirational people I had surrounded myself with. The positive vibes that every runner seems to exude. Verbal pats on the back and verbal kicks in the butt. The Runner's Soul really is about community. Nobody ever runs alone. Dare I say it's better than Church?

So to the point of this note. Why do I run?

More specifically why do I run such agonizingly long distances for no monetary nor scholastic gain (no scholarships for 100 mile winners). Why do I pay thousands of dollars in race entry fees only to receive blistered feet, blood-soaked socks and shattered legs. Oh, and a t-shirt.

Good question.

I run because it makes me feel alive like really nothing else does. I love the challenge running offers. The camaraderie and physical and mental benefits. I love to push myself and discover strength I never knew I had. I'm building my mind to believe what my body can do.

So what wisdom have I gained over all the toenail blackening miles? What has running taught me, and what have I learned?

I have learned that we as mere human beings, possess far greater strength and ability than we could ever imagine. Often times the only thing holding us back is our own minds, and the lies we let ourselves believe. The most common reply people give when I tell them about my involvement with endurance sports is "I could never do that!" or "I can't even run a block!"

What's up with that? All the negatives. I'm guilty of this as well. It actually takes conscious effort on my part to stay positive and I often hear myself say "you'll never do that, or you'll never be this”. Pure lies, but if one does not recognize them as such, they can kill all hopes and dreams.

Through running I have learned that I am strong and I do have what it takes to be a man, a husband and a father.....a good Chef.

Running has taught me that the things in life that are truly worth doing are often the most difficult and thus require the most effort. Running has taught me the great importance of discipline, dedication and perseverance.

"Achievement of any kind is the crown of thought; the diadem of effort."

I have learned that error and failure are just part of being human. Learn from mistakes and don't repeat them. It's not falling that's so bad, it's the failing to get back up. 

I have learned that I lack patience, both with myself and with others and that I need to remember that my best is sometimes all I can do.......I think I'm starting to ramble. 

So in a nutshell, I run because I like to.