And I will tell you why:

1.  What other sport besides hiking (lame) allows you to speed along beautiful mountainside trails, bursting with fresh greenery, scented with spring flowers under a blue and yellow Boulder sunset?  Or along the Austrian Alps, or through the twisted streets of Zürich, or along the beach in Fiji?

“Cycling?” you quip.  Maybe.  But you can’t enjoy the view to the same extent without a much higher potential death rate.  Besides, it is more expensive.

2.  Running, on the other hand, is the most economical of sports.  It maximizes calories burned per dollar spent on its pursuit.  On average, you  expend 1,100 calories per dollar spent racking up those miles.  Other sports pale in comparison, 625 for roller blading, 350 for kayaking (kayaking is great though) and golf clocks in at a mere 30 calories used per dollar.

3.  In addition to its economic and calorie burning benefits, it is easily customizable for all people.  Whether you are a warrior who battles the clock and others, the Average Joe just looking for a workout, need a good way to spend time with your honey, or enjoy adventuring through new towns and trails for the chance to explore the world and your own boundaries, there really is something for everyone, at the convenience of your front door.

4.  It brings together all types.  Especially nice old men.  Always friendly, there is always something that you have in common; it is the easiest way to make new friends, even if it is just for a few minutes.

I could go on, but suffice it to say that training is going well.  I realized that I care more about pushing myself and enjoying my runs more than I care about placing in races, but I am still going to try my hardest.