Why You Run

Calling all road warriors, treadmill champs, and anyone in between: Today, June 5^th, is the fifth annual National Running Day! Promoted by top running organizations like Running USA, USA Track & Field, and the Marine Corps Marathon, National Running Day was created to encourage runners to celebrate the sport in a bunch of different ways—like finding a new running path, inviting a friend to get in on the action, telling the world why you run, and more.

In honor of the event, Women’s Health asked its Twitter followers to share their reasons for lacing up their sneakers and hitting the road. Check them out below!

National Running Day is June 5! Tweet us with #WhyIRun and we may feature you on our site!

— Women’s Health Mag (@WomensHealthMag) June 3, 2013

@womenshealthmag to feel free and explore new places! #WhyIRun

— trishquit (@Trishquit) June 3, 2013

@womenshealthmag #WhyIRun to keep my butt looking good!

— Shannon Coble (@shannonSheree53) June 3, 2013

I run for the endorphin high, to tone up, and to get the satisfaction of knowing I’m one step closer to my goals! #WhyIRun @womenshealthmag

— Katie Blundell (@Shizeenizzy) June 3, 2013

@womenshealthmag I have Type 1 diabetes. I run because I refuse to let this disease knock me down from the things I love. #WhyIRun

— Amanda (@MandaGlynn) June 3, 2013

@womenshealthmag #WhyIRun: To prove I am strong enough- mentally & physically. #marathon

— Hil K (@Hil_K21) June 3, 2013

#WhyIRun: It’s liberating! It’s clears my mind, tones my muscles and strengthens my soul. What more could a girl ask for? @womenshealthmag

— FitFadFan (@FitFadFan) June 3, 2013

@womenshealthmag I run to motivate my family to be fit and push themselves. Successfully signed all the siblings up for races in 2013!

— Blaire Martin (@Blurr0320) June 3, 2013

Feeling the urge to do a few laps right about now? Use these tips and strategies to step up your running game, regardless of your current level:

For Beginning Runners:
6 Reasons to Start Running
How to Get Started Running
101 Greatest Running Tips

For Routine Runners:
Boredom-Busting Treadmill Workouts
Speed Cardio: Pick Up The Pace
Run Your First (or Fastest) 10-K!

For Elite Runners:
The Top 10 Nature Runs in the U.S.
Off-Road Trail Running
Yoga for Runners

Photo: iStockphoto/Thinkstock

javahut healthy feed