Because this is who I am

I must confess, I've been feeling the need to justify spending so much money on race registrations, even though I've cut back a lot, (and the grocery bills associated with my increased need for food during training) when I can barely keep up with my bills most months.  The guilt hit me especially hard last week when I made the hefty payment for the American Triple T 2014. Also, endurance training and races can be so painful. I can't tell you how many people have asked me why I do all this training and these races (especially the long distance ones). So I've decided to make a written list to answer the question: "Jamie, why do you do this crazy stuff?"


(1) Because of the physiological benefits of training:

      ~My heart rate is slower at rest than the average person and my heart is pumping more efficiently.  My EKG results in both Human Physiology class and Exercise Physiology show an incredibly strong heart going above and beyond its duty.  This type of thing adds years to your life.  Can't argue with science!   

      ~Staying active will help keep my asthma better under control in the long term.

      ~My skeletal muscles have greater strength and endurance with training (especially with hill training and especially for long distance events).  So I can do more awesome things!

      ~Osteoporosis runs in my family.  My great grandma and grandma both had it and now my mom does too.  Besides taking Calcium supplements everyday, high impact exercises like running and weight bearing exercise (like the strength training I should be doing-totally slacking in that department) increase bone strength and can help prevent me from having the same fate as most of the other women in my family. 


(2) Because of the psychological benefits of training:

     ~Self Confidence!  No explanation needed

     ~After a run (or swim, or bike ride), I can solve problems better and think more creatively.  I can focus better.  As a matter of fact, I can think more clearly in general after a workout or race.

     ~It improves my mood.  Any time I'm in a foul mood, Ray's response is almost always the same: "Sweetheart, why don't you go for a run?"

     ~Stress release: no matter what was wrong before, it doesn't seem quite as disastrous after a workout or race.

    ~That amazing sense of accomplishment after crossing the finish line of a race and the sense of accomplishment I feel working my way through my training schedule

    ~Running has helped me get through a couple of really tough times I've been through. 

(3) Because it builds my character

    ~Making and following a training schedule takes organizational skills and self-discipline.  Lots of self-discipline. Being a marathon runner and triathlete is on my resume (as I was actually advised to include by an interviewer a few years ago).  Guess what the first thing is that interviewers comment and ask about on my resume?  And I haven't always applied to fitness related jobs.

    ~It helps me to be an inspiration to others.

    ~Finishing a race takes determination.  Getting through some training sessions takes even more determination. 

But most of all,
Because training, competing, doing these crazy triathlon and distance running events is a huge part of my identity. Because this is who I am.