Why on Earth Would Someone Run For FUN?!!?!

Frequently I am asked the question, "Why do you guys run for fun?!" There are a few main reasons why.
First, we like working hard and seeing the fruits of our labors, so to speak. Anytime you put a lot of effort into something, you are proud of what you accomplish. So it is with track (or cross country, or, well, anything hard in life:))
Second, running makes you feel good!!! It releases endorphins, which , if you don't know, give the body a natural high. Studies have shown that depression is less frequent with runners. Look around you. I may be a little biased, but as my friend Steve Rowe put it, "When I was playing football, I looked at the runners and said to myself, 'Man, those guys have way more fun!'" He said he always knew he would become a runner because all the other football players would laugh at him, while he just wished he could join in our antics.
Third, running is good for you. It lowers stress, is exercise and is a good channel through which emotion and energy can be released.
There are more reasons, like racing/competition, ability to stuff your face 24/7 and not gain weight and the whole team atmosphere of unity and fellow/frienship, but those are bonuses to the three main points listed above.

Sports in Youth

Are playing sports an important part of growing up? Yes, for a number of reasons. They build character. Lessons are taught that include: learning good sportsmanship; how to handle victory and defeat; how to control anger; how to focus and concentrate; how to give your all. Sports are also a medium in making friendships. Thus, social skills are developed and those friends enrich lives. Sports build discipline, as one must be so to really succeed. They also create pleasant memories which provide topic for conversation and are enjoyable to reflect on later in life. For all these reasons and more, sports are a very important part of childhood.